Concord vs Portsmouth: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Concord, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Concord, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,844 | $47,169▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.52 | $22.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,608 | $38,094▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,880 | $40,115▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,625▲ | $55,501 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,902▲ | $63,471 |
| Total Employed | 11▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Concord and Portsmouth are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Concord and Portsmouth is $325 (0.69%). Portsmouth's median is -1.16% 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,Portsmouth spans $25,377. Concord has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portsmouth ($43,960 effective) pays 0.69% more than Concord ($43,657 effective).
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 Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,169/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,960)
- ✓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 13.2% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Concord, NH
$49,078 (2024) → $44,947 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$39,970 (2019) → $45,259 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Concord, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Concord or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Concord to Portsmouth as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Concord vs Portsmouth?
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
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