Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $45,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $45,994/year (≈ $22.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $45,765 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sterile processing professionals in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $45,994 in 2026, a reflection of the increasing demand for specialized roles like endoscope reprocessing. The local salary range for sterile processing technicians spans from $34,099 to $69,505, highlighting the potential for significant earnings based on experience, specialization, and setting. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors. While the median salary is slightly below the national average of $47,724, Pawtucket is witnessing growth in this field, driven by the rise in specialized credential requirements and the continued emphasis on infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,099 | $16.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,275 | $17.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,994 | $22.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,505 | $33.41 |
Median Salary Position
3.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,406 (2026 est.). At $45,994, the local median is 3.63% below the national median of $47,724.
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At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $45,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $46,040 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -3.63% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $45,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.63% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $46,040.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,994 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,765 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,639
2025 BLS Actual
$44,132
2026 Current Est.
$45,994
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,639 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,361 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,639 (2019) to $44,132 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,296 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $34,099 – $37,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,275 – $45,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,994 – $56,160 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,160 – $69,505 |
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 Pawtucket
With only 16 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the Pawtucket area, the local job market remains relatively compact but promising. The cost of living index in Pawtucket stands at 100.5, offering a marginally higher living expense compared to the national average, which can impact take-home pay for technicians. Major employers including hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers tend to offer the highest salaries. The variation in pay can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialization options like CRCST and CIS credentials, and the type of healthcare setting, whether a hospital or a surgical center. To enhance earnings in Pawtucket's competitive environment, technicians should consider obtaining advanced certifications and pursuing opportunities for lead or supervisory roles, which can provide pathways to higher compensation.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $44,132 for sterile processing techniciansin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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