Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $25.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Paterson, NJ runs $25.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,645 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, New Jersey, sterile processing technicians receive a median hourly rate of $25.36, which exceeds the national average of $22.94. This competitive pay level is beneficial for both part-time workers and those in per-diem roles, particularly in settings like hospital SPD decontamination areas and ambulatory surgical centers. For a technician working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, allowing flexibility while maintaining a steady paycheck. Starting at an hourly rate of around $19.64 for entry-level positions, technicians can progress to earn up to $38.07 as they advance in their careers. This pay structure reflects the critical responsibilities of technicians who are responsible for ensuring that surgical instruments are sterile and safe for use.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.64 | $157.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.26 | $170.09 |
| Median (P50) | $25.36 | $202.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.20 | $257.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.07 | $304.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $25.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.36/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $52,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,428. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.27 | $4,395 | $52,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.56 | $2,637 | $31,645 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.71 | $1,758 | $21,097 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Paterson) | $25.36 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $52,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.51% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $52,794.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.36/hr = $31,645/year (purchasing power: $27,470).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,742/year (purchasing power: $45,783).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Paterson grew 27.4% from $19.10/hr (2019) to $24.33/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.43/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Paterson
For those considering part-time work in Paterson, the annual income for a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week would total approximately $31,000, a viable option compared to full-time roles. Many per-diem technicians earn between $22 to $32 per hour, while those with specialized certifications in endoscope reprocessing can command $28 to $40 on average. Additionally, travel contracts have surged, offering competitive weekly pay of $1,000 to $1,500, making it an appealing choice for some technicians. Employing varying hourly rates across different settings—including hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and third-party service providers—allows technicians to choose between higher hourly pay without benefits or slightly lower rates with health insurance. When negotiating, it's advisable for workers in Paterson to emphasize their certifications, such as CRCST or CER, as these qualifications can significantly influence their hourly compensation.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Paterson in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Paterson?
Are sterile processing technicians in Paterson paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Paterson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paterson 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