Manchester vs Portsmouth: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Manchester, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,825▲ | $47,169 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.47▲ | $22.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,332▲ | $38,094 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,264▲ | $40,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,420▲ | $55,501 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,933▲ | $63,471 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Manchester and Portsmouth is $1,656 (3.51%). 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 Manchester spans $23,601,Portsmouth spans $25,377. Portsmouth 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, Manchester ($46,211 effective) pays 5.12% more than Portsmouth ($43,960 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,825/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,933)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,211)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Manchester grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$40,130 (2019) → $46,848 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$39,970 (2019) → $45,259 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Manchester or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Portsmouth as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Manchester 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