Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Concord vs Manchester: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Concord, NH
$46,844
$22.52/hr
Manchester, NH
$48,825
$23.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConcord, NHManchester, NH
Median Salary$46,844$48,825
Hourly Rate$22.52$23.47
Entry Level (P10)$37,608$41,332
25th Percentile$39,880$47,264
75th Percentile$57,625$59,420
Top Earner (P90)$67,902$64,933
Total Employed1190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Concord ($46,844) and Manchester ($48,825) sterile processing technician salaries.ConcordManchesterMedian Salary$46,844$48,825Entry Level (P10)$37,608$41,332Top Earner (P90)$67,902$64,933US Median $47,724

Verdict

Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Concord.

The salary gap between Concord and Manchester is $1,981 (4.23%). Manchester's median is +2.31% 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,Manchester spans $23,601. 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
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$41,332
P25$47,264
Median$48,825
P75$59,420
P90 (Top)$64,933

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($46,211 effective) pays 5.85% more than Concord ($43,657 effective).

Concord
Nominal: $46,844
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $43,657
Manchester
Nominal: $48,825
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $46,211

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)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,825/year)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,211)
  • 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 16.7% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Concord, NH

+-8.4%

$49,078 (2024) → $44,947 (2025)

Manchester, NH

+16.7%

$40,130 (2019) → $46,848 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Manchester has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $48,825/year, compared to Concord at $46,844/year — a difference of $1,981 (4.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and Manchester?

Concord sterile processing technicians earn $22.52/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $23.47/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Concord and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Concord = $43,657, Manchester = $46,211), job availability (11 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $37,608 in Concord and $41,332 in Manchester. The Manchester 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