Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Concord vs Dover: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Concord, NH and Dover, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Concord, NH
$46,844
$22.52/hr
Dover, NH
$47,534
$22.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConcord, NHDover, NH
Median Salary$46,844$47,534
Hourly Rate$22.52$22.86
Entry Level (P10)$37,608$39,297
25th Percentile$39,880$41,306
75th Percentile$57,625$56,551
Top Earner (P90)$67,902$65,509
Total Employed115
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Concord ($46,844) and Dover ($47,534) sterile processing technician salaries.ConcordDoverMedian Salary$46,844$47,534Entry Level (P10)$37,608$39,297Top Earner (P90)$67,902$65,509US Median $47,724

Verdict

Concord and Dover are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Concord and Dover is $690 (1.47%). Dover's median is -0.40% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Concord spans $30,294,Dover spans $26,212. Concord has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Concord
P10 (Entry)$37,608
P25$39,880
Median$46,844
P75$57,625
P90 (Top)$67,902
Dover
P10 (Entry)$39,297
P25$41,306
Median$47,534
P75$56,551
P90 (Top)$65,509

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($44,300 effective) pays 1.47% more than Concord ($43,657 effective).

Concord
Nominal: $46,844
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $43,657
Dover
Nominal: $47,534
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $44,300

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Concord if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($67,902)
  • Larger job market (11 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Dover if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,534/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,300)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Concord grew -8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Dover over the same period.

Concord, NH

+-8.4%

$49,078 (2024) → $44,947 (2025)

Dover, NH

+21.2%

$37,620 (2019) → $45,609 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Concord or Dover?

Dover has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $47,534/year, compared to Concord at $46,844/year — a difference of $690 (1.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and Dover?

Concord sterile processing technicians earn $22.52/hr while Dover hygienists earn $22.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Concord to Dover as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Concord and Dover. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Concord = $43,657, Dover = $44,300), job availability (11 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Concord vs Dover?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $37,608 in Concord and $39,297 in Dover. The Dover 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