Hanover vs Nashua: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hanover, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hanover, NH | Nashua, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,073 | $49,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.63 | $23.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,851▲ | $36,303 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,762▲ | $39,736 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,292 | $60,000▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,187 | $70,869▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hanover.
The salary gap between Hanover and Nashua is $2,098 (4.46%). Nashua's median is +3.03% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hanover spans $25,336,Nashua spans $34,566. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashua ($45,826 effective) pays 4.46% more than Hanover ($43,870 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hanover if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,869)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,826)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Hanover grew -8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.1% growth in Nashua over the same period.
Hanover, NH
$49,318 (2024) → $45,167 (2025)
Nashua, NH
$51,350 (2024) → $47,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hanover, NH
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hanover or Nashua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hanover and Nashua?
Should I relocate from Hanover to Nashua as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hanover vs Nashua?
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