Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Westerly, RI: $42,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Westerly, RI earns a median $42,999/year (≈ $20.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Westerly's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $42,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westerly, Rhode Island, the projected median salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $42,999, reflecting the compensation landscape heavily influenced by the need for evening and overnight surgical tray turnover. The salary spectrum ranges from $36,389 at the 10th percentile to $59,696 at the 90th percentile, providing insights into the potential earnings for skilled technicians in the area. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that individuals with advanced credentials or those working in high-demand roles can significantly increase their earnings. As the healthcare industry adapts, the ability to differentiate through specialized skill sets, like those offered by HSPA, can provide critical advantages in Westerly's job market.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,778 | $18.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,999 | $20.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,142 | $24.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,696 | $28.70 |
Median Salary Position
9.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
In Westerly, RI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,307 (2026 est.). At $42,999, the local median is 9.9% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westerly: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westerly Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Westerly median: $42,999/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westerly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $46,038 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -9.90% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Westerly, RI earn a median of $42,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $46,038.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westerly has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westerly, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,999 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,785 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,384
2025 BLS Actual
$41,258
2026 Current Est.
$42,999
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,878 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,814 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westerly metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,384 (2019) to $41,258 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,814 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,430 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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) | $36,389 – $37,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,778 – $42,999 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,999 – $50,142 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,142 – $59,696 |
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 Westerly
Analyzing the job market in Westerly, it is important to consider that there are currently five sterile processing technicians employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which directly influences the take-home purchasing power of these professionals. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers often offer higher wages compared to ambulatory surgery centers and dental specialty practices. Key factors contributing to pay variance include shift differentials for evening and overnight work, advanced certification stacking such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, and the designation of the facility as a trauma center versus standard surgery center. To maximize pay within Westerly, technicians should focus on gaining specialized certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying environments, aligning their skills with evolving industry standards and credential requirements introduced post-2021.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Westerly?
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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 $41,258 for sterile processing techniciansin the Westerly 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 Westerly 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