Sterile Processing Tech Salary

South Kingstown vs Warwick: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

South Kingstown, RI
$43,708
$21.01/hr
Warwick, RI
$49,948
$24.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSouth Kingstown, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$43,708$49,948
Hourly Rate$21.01$24.01
Entry Level (P10)$34,634$37,728
25th Percentile$37,010$41,155
75th Percentile$53,573$61,664
Top Earner (P90)$63,037$73,435
Total Employed516
Side-by-side bar chart comparing South Kingstown ($43,708) and Warwick ($49,948) sterile processing technician salaries.South KingstownWarwickMedian Salary$43,708$49,948Entry Level (P10)$34,634$37,728Top Earner (P90)$63,037$73,435US Median $47,724

Verdict

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

The salary gap between South Kingstown and Warwick is $6,240 (14.28%). 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 South Kingstown spans $28,403,Warwick spans $35,707. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

South Kingstown
P10 (Entry)$34,634
P25$37,010
Median$43,708
P75$53,573
P90 (Top)$63,037
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 14.28% more than South Kingstown ($43,491 effective).

South Kingstown
Nominal: $43,708
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $43,491
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 South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Warwick over the same period.

South Kingstown, RI

+-4.4%

$43,883 (2024) → $41,938 (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: South Kingstown or Warwick?

Warwick has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,948/year, compared to South Kingstown at $43,708/year — a difference of $6,240 (14.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between South Kingstown and Warwick?

South Kingstown sterile processing technicians earn $21.01/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $24.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from South Kingstown to Warwick as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing South Kingstown and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: South Kingstown = $43,491, Warwick = $49,700), job availability (5 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in South Kingstown vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,634 in South Kingstown 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