Nashua vs Salem: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Nashua, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashua, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,171▲ | $47,972 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.64▲ | $23.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,303 | $36,380▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,736▲ | $39,312 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,000▲ | $57,559 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,869▲ | $66,970 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Nashua and Salem is $1,199 (2.50%). 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 Nashua spans $34,566,Salem spans $30,590. Nashua 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, Nashua ($45,826 effective) pays 2.50% more than Salem ($44,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Salem 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 Nashua grew -8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Nashua, NH
$51,350 (2024) → $47,180 (2025)
Salem, NH
$50,261 (2024) → $46,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Nashua or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashua and Salem?
Should I relocate from Nashua to Salem as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Nashua vs Salem?
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