Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Passaic, NJ: $51,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Passaic, NJ earns a median $51,660/year (≈ $24.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Passaic's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,844 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Passaic, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $51,660. This figure represents an 8.25% increase compared to the national median of $47,724, indicating a favorable market for those in this profession. The salary ranges widely from $40,752 at the 10th percentile to a notable $77,852 at the 90th percentile. These projections are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating that the compensation for sterile processing technicians is competitive within the healthcare landscape of Passaic. Given the demand for specialized skills, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, job prospects remain robust, reflecting a wider trend in the evolution of sterile processing as a key component in healthcare facilities.
About the Passaic Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,752 | $19.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,707 | $21.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,660 | $24.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,918 | $31.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,852 | $37.43 |
Median Salary Position
8.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Passaic
In Passaic, NJ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,100 (2026 est.). At $51,660, the local median is 8.25% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Passaic: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Passaic Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Passaic median: $51,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Passaic Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $52,768 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +8.25% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Passaic, NJ earn a median of $51,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.25% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $52,768.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Passaic has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Passaic, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,660 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,844 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,906
2025 BLS Actual
$49,568
2026 Current Est.
$51,660
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,104 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,840 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Passaic metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $38,906 (2019) to $49,568 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,840 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,934 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Passaic 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) | $40,752 – $43,707 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,707 – $51,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,660 – $64,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,918 – $77,852 |
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 Passaic
With only 18 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the area, the local job market for this role in Passaic demonstrates a specific demand amid a higher cost of living index of 115.2. This could impact take-home pay and purchasing power for technicians. Notably, hospitals with sterile processing departments (SPD) often provide the most competitive salaries compared to ambulatory surgery centers or dental practices. Factors such as shift differentials for overnight hours, specialty certifications like CRCST and CER, and leadership roles can significantly influence salary ranges, creating a disparity in pay. To optimize earnings in Passaic, professionals should consider obtaining multiple credentials, including CIS, or exploring positions in trauma centers where specialized skills are vital. Demonstrating proficiency in these high-demand areas can lead to better compensation and career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Passaic?
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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 $49,568 for sterile processing techniciansin the Passaic 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 Passaic 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