Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Kearny, NJ: $51,058 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Kearny, NJ earns a median $51,058/year (≈ $24.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Kearny's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,321 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Kearny, NJ is projected to be $51,058, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median of $47,724. The local salary range stretches from $42,198 at the 10th percentile to $73,528 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential driven by factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight surgical tray turnover. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, placing Kearny's salaries in a favorable context for those entering the sterile processing field. Understanding the nuances of local compensation can enhance job seekers' expectations as they consider careers in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other facilities requiring sterile processing staff.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,198 | $20.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,398 | $21.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,058 | $24.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,715 | $29.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,528 | $35.35 |
Median Salary Position
6.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
In Kearny, NJ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,330 (2026 est.). At $51,058, the local median is 6.99% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearny Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Kearny median: $51,058/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $52,801 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +6.99% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $51,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.99% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $52,801.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearny has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearny, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,058 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,321 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,453
2025 BLS Actual
$48,991
2026 Current Est.
$51,058
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,058 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,213 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearny metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $38,453 (2019) to $48,991 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,213 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,760 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,198 – $44,398 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,398 – $51,058 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,058 – $60,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,715 – $73,528 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Kearny
With 11 sterile processing technicians currently employed locally, Kearny’s job market reflects a stable demand for these professionals. However, the area’s cost of living index of 115.2 means that while wages are competitive, purchasing power could be impacted. Top employers in Kearny typically include hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and third-party sterile processing services, with compensation varying based on preferences for specialty credentials like CRCST, CIS, or CER. The disparity in salaries is influenced by several factors such as shift differentials, organizational responsibilities, and the type of healthcare setting. For technicians looking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Kearny, obtaining advanced certifications or pursuing supervisory roles can be effective strategies to increase earning potential in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Kearny, NJ in 2026?
Is Kearny, NJ a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Kearny?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Kearny?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Kearny?
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Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,991 for sterile processing techniciansin the Kearny metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov