Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Cumberland, RI: $43,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Cumberland, RI earns a median $43,821/year (≈ $21.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Cumberland's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $43,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the expected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Cumberland, Rhode Island, is $43,821, revealing a local market that remains slightly behind the national median of $47,724. The projected salary range spans from $35,094 at the 10th percentile to $61,760 at the 90th percentile, providing insight into the potential income variability in the area. These figures are derived from state-level BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlighting how local factors influence earnings. Cumberland's job market is characterized by the demand for skilled technicians, particularly those trained in endoscope reprocessing (CER), which is becoming increasingly crucial due to rising compliance standards and the associated risk of scope-related infections.
About the Cumberland Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,094 | $16.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,242 | $17.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,821 | $21.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,912 | $25.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,760 | $29.69 |
Median Salary Position
8.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cumberland
In Cumberland, RI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,666 (2026 est.). At $43,821, the local median is 8.18% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cumberland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cumberland Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Cumberland median: $43,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cumberland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $46,031 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.18% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Cumberland, RI earn a median of $43,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.18% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.80% below the Rhode Island state average of $46,031.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cumberland has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cumberland, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $43,821 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,603 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,003
2025 BLS Actual
$42,047
2026 Current Est.
$43,821
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,671 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cumberland metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,003 (2019) to $42,047 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,671 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,668 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cumberland 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) | $35,094 – $37,242 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,242 – $43,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,821 – $53,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,912 – $61,760 |
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 Cumberland
Employment opportunities for sterile processing technicians in Cumberland are limited, with only eight professionals currently in the field. This might suggest a competitive job market, where salary negotiation becomes imperative. The cost of living in Cumberland, with an index of 100.5, suggests that while salaries are slightly below the national average, the slightly elevated living expenses can affect purchasing power. In this local context, larger hospitals may provide higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices. Factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight roles, additional certifications like CRCST and CIS, and supervisory positions can further influence earnings. To maximize pay, technicians should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, including those that enhance specialization, and consider working in high-demand settings such as trauma centers to leverage their skills effectively in the Cumberland market.
More salary data for Cumberland, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Cumberland?
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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 $42,047 for sterile processing techniciansin the Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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