Sterile Processing Tech Salary

East Providence vs Warwick: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between East Providence, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

East Providence, RI
$45,640
$21.94/hr
Warwick, RI
$49,948
$24.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEast Providence, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$45,640$49,948
Hourly Rate$21.94$24.01
Entry Level (P10)$35,804$37,728
25th Percentile$38,272$41,155
75th Percentile$55,597$61,664
Top Earner (P90)$65,087$73,435
Total Employed1016
Side-by-side bar chart comparing East Providence ($45,640) and Warwick ($49,948) sterile processing technician salaries.East ProvidenceWarwickMedian Salary$45,640$49,948Entry Level (P10)$35,804$37,728Top Earner (P90)$65,087$73,435US Median $47,724

Verdict

Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Providence.

The salary gap between East Providence and Warwick is $4,308 (9.44%). Warwick's median is +4.66% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Providence spans $29,283,Warwick spans $35,707. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

East Providence
P10 (Entry)$35,804
P25$38,272
Median$45,640
P75$55,597
P90 (Top)$65,087
Warwick
P10 (Entry)$37,728
P25$41,155
Median$49,948
P75$61,664
P90 (Top)$73,435

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($49,700 effective) pays 9.44% more than East Providence ($45,413 effective).

East Providence
Nominal: $45,640
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $45,413
Warwick
Nominal: $49,948
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $49,700

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose East Providence if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Warwick if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,948/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($73,435)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,700)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in East Providence grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Warwick over the same period.

East Providence, RI

+-4.4%

$45,824 (2024) → $43,792 (2025)

Warwick, RI

+2.6%

$46,696 (2024) → $47,926 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: East Providence or Warwick?

Warwick has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,948/year, compared to East Providence at $45,640/year — a difference of $4,308 (9.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between East Providence and Warwick?

East Providence sterile processing technicians earn $21.94/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $24.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from East Providence to Warwick as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing East Providence and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: East Providence = $45,413, Warwick = $49,700), job availability (10 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in East Providence vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $35,804 in East Providence and $37,728 in Warwick. The Warwick area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov