Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Toms River, NJ: $52,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Toms River, NJ earns a median $52,036/year (≈ $25.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Toms River's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $45,170 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toms River, New Jersey, the expected compensation for a sterile processing technician illustrates a robust earning potential, with a median annual salary projected at $52,036 for 2026. This figure exceeds the national median by about 9.04%, indicating a competitive market for local technicians. Within the salary range, entry-level positions can start at around $41,648 (P10), while experienced professionals can earn as high as $73,965 (P90). These local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, combine regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic landscape of Toms River. Factors such as evening and overnight surgical tray turnover can significantly influence earnings, providing opportunities for additional pay depending on shift differentials.
About the Toms River Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,648 | $20.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,475 | $21.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,036 | $25.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,718 | $30.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,965 | $35.56 |
Median Salary Position
9.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Toms River
In Toms River, NJ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,317 (2026 est.). At $52,036, the local median is 9.04% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Toms River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Toms River Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Toms River median: $52,036/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Toms River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $52,775 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +9.04% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Toms River, NJ earn a median of $52,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.04% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $52,775.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Toms River has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Toms River, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,036 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,170 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,190
2025 BLS Actual
$49,929
2026 Current Est.
$52,036
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,613 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,006 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,232 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Toms River metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $39,190 (2019) to $49,929 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,232 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,042 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Toms River 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) | $41,648 – $44,475 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,475 – $52,036 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,036 – $62,718 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,718 – $73,965 |
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 Toms River
The local job market reveals that there are currently 17 sterile processing technicians working in Toms River, suggesting a close-knit professional community. However, the cost of living index at 115.2 indicates that technicians may need to consider their take-home pay carefully to maintain an adequate standard of living. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive compensation. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including specialty credential stacking, such as earning the CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as the responsibilities tied to supervisory roles. For technicians looking to maximize their earnings in Toms River, focusing on acquiring additional certifications, such as in endoscope reprocessing, and seeking positions in higher-paying settings like trauma centers, may yield significant financial benefits.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Toms River, NJ in 2026?
Is Toms River, NJ a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Toms River?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Toms River?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Toms River?
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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 $49,929 for sterile processing techniciansin the Toms River 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 Toms River 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