Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Hartford vs Milford: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hartford, CT and Milford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hartford, CT
$46,334
$22.28/hr
Milford, CT
$46,976
$22.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHartford, CTMilford, CT
Median Salary$46,334$46,976
Hourly Rate$22.28$22.58
Entry Level (P10)$38,859$36,979
25th Percentile$40,001$39,685
75th Percentile$58,010$58,973
Top Earner (P90)$60,521$70,697
Total Employed4009
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hartford ($46,334) and Milford ($46,976) sterile processing technician salaries.HartfordMilfordMedian Salary$46,334$46,976Entry Level (P10)$38,859$36,979Top Earner (P90)$60,521$70,697US Median $47,724

Verdict

Milford, CT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.

The salary gap between Hartford and Milford is $642 (1.39%). Milford's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $21,662,Milford spans $33,718. Milford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Hartford
P10 (Entry)$38,859
P25$40,001
Median$46,334
P75$58,010
P90 (Top)$60,521
Milford
P10 (Entry)$36,979
P25$39,685
Median$46,976
P75$58,973
P90 (Top)$70,697

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($45,096 effective) pays 3.58% more than Milford ($43,537 effective).

Hartford
Nominal: $46,334
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $45,096
Milford
Nominal: $46,976
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $43,537

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hartford if…

  • Larger job market (400 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,096)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Milford if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,976/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($70,697)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Hartford grew 8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.6% growth in Milford over the same period.

Hartford, CT

+8.9%

$40,830 (2019) → $44,458 (2025)

Milford, CT

+-14.6%

$52,750 (2024) → $45,074 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hartford or Milford?

Milford has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $46,976/year, compared to Hartford at $46,334/year — a difference of $642 (1.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Milford?

Hartford sterile processing technicians earn $22.28/hr while Milford hygienists earn $22.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hartford to Milford as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hartford and Milford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hartford = $45,096, Milford = $43,537), job availability (400 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hartford vs Milford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $38,859 in Hartford and $36,979 in Milford. The Hartford 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