Sterile Processing Tech Salary

New Haven vs Norwich: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

New Haven, CT
$48,975
$23.55/hr
Norwich, CT
$39,381
$18.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNew Haven, CTNorwich, CT
Median Salary$48,975$39,381
Hourly Rate$23.55$18.94
Entry Level (P10)$38,930$36,438
25th Percentile$44,662$39,170
75th Percentile$60,992$48,214
Top Earner (P90)$66,214$61,011
Total Employed27060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing New Haven ($48,975) and Norwich ($39,381) sterile processing technician salaries.New HavenNorwichMedian Salary$48,975$39,381Entry Level (P10)$38,930$36,438Top Earner (P90)$66,214$61,011US Median $47,724

Verdict

New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norwich.

The salary gap between New Haven and Norwich is $9,594 (24.36%). New Haven's median is +2.62% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $27,284,Norwich spans $24,573. New Haven has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

New Haven
P10 (Entry)$38,930
P25$44,662
Median$48,975
P75$60,992
P90 (Top)$66,214
Norwich
P10 (Entry)$36,438
P25$39,170
Median$39,381
P75$48,214
P90 (Top)$61,011

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($46,840 effective) pays 19.47% more than Norwich ($39,207 effective).

New Haven
Nominal: $48,975
CoL Index: 104.559
Adjusted: $46,840
Norwich
Nominal: $39,381
CoL Index: 100.445
Adjusted: $39,207

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose New Haven if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,975/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,214)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,840)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Norwich if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in New Haven grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.1% growth in Norwich over the same period.

New Haven, CT

+11.8%

$42,030 (2019) → $46,992 (2025)

Norwich, CT

+-4.1%

$39,410 (2019) → $37,786 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: New Haven or Norwich?

New Haven has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $48,975/year, compared to Norwich at $39,381/year — a difference of $9,594 (24.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Norwich?

New Haven sterile processing technicians earn $23.55/hr while Norwich hygienists earn $18.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from New Haven to Norwich as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing New Haven and Norwich. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: New Haven = $46,840, Norwich = $39,207), job availability (270 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in New Haven vs Norwich?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $38,930 in New Haven and $36,438 in Norwich. The New Haven 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