Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Bristol, RI: $43,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Bristol, RI earns a median $43,588/year (≈ $20.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $43,371 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median salary for a sterile processing technician in Bristol, Rhode Island, stands at $43,588, reflecting a local job market that offers competitive compensation compared to the national median of $47,724. With salaries ranging from $34,235 at the 10th percentile to $61,654 for the 90th percentile, technicians in this city can find varied opportunities within the healthcare sector. These figures, adjusted for regional price parity, indicate that while Bristol’s compensation is slightly below the national average, positions offering evening or overnight shifts—where surgical tray turnover is critical—can provide higher pay rates. Consequently, those in Bristol looking at this career path can anticipate a dynamic job environment shaped by the demands of local healthcare facilities.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,235 | $16.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,331 | $17.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,588 | $20.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,643 | $24.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,654 | $29.64 |
Median Salary Position
8.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,419 (2026 est.). At $43,588, the local median is 8.67% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Bristol median: $43,588/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $46,027 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.67% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Bristol, RI earn a median of $43,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.67% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $46,027.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $43,588 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,371 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,827
2025 BLS Actual
$41,823
2026 Current Est.
$43,588
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,827 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,369 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,427 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,827 (2019) to $41,823 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,427 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,600 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $34,235 – $36,331 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,331 – $43,588 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,588 – $50,643 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,643 – $61,654 |
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 Bristol
The sterile processing technician job market in Bristol shows potential for growth with only five professionals currently employed in this role. Given the cost-of-living index at 100.5, technicians may find that their income slightly lags behind the national standard when assessing purchasing power. Employers such as local hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers typically offer the most competitive pay. Factors influencing the salary range include the significance of shift differentials, particularly for those willing to work non-standard hours, as well as the demand for credential stacking with certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER that enhance earning potential. To maximize earnings, technicians in Bristol should consider targeting trauma center roles or pursuing supervisory positions within their specialty, alongside gaining additional credentials to broaden their expertise in the sterile processing field.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Bristol, RI in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Bristol?
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Related Pages
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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 $41,823 for sterile processing techniciansin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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