Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Nashua, NH: $23.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Nashua, NH runs $23.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Nashua's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,499 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Nashua, New Hampshire, the 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians stands at $23.64, which is slightly higher than the national average of $22.94. This rate significantly influences the earning potential for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in settings like hospital SPD decontamination areas, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope processing rooms. For a typical 24-hour work week, which is common among part-time technicians, this pay translates to a decent income that supports a flexible lifestyle while managing other commitments. The hourly range within the profession varies from $17.46 for entry-level roles to around $34.07 for highly experienced technicians or those in specialty areas, highlighting potential earning growth as one gains credentials such as CRCST or CER.
About the Nashua Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.46 | $139.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.10 | $152.83 |
| Median (P50) | $23.64 | $189.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.85 | $230.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.07 | $272.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nashua
Based on $23.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.64/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nashua, NH can expect to earn approximately $49,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,365. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Nashua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nashua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $945.48 | $4,097 | $49,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.29 | $2,458 | $29,499 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.19 | $1,639 | $19,666 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Nashua) | $23.64 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Nashua, NH earn a median of $49,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.03% higher than the national median of $47,724.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.64/hr = $29,499/year (purchasing power: $27,492).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,165/year (purchasing power: $45,820).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Nashua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Nashua grew 27.4% from $17.80/hr (2019) to $22.68/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.63/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashua metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Nashua
Exploring the financial dynamics of sterile processing technician hourly pay in Nashua reveals a diverse landscape for earning potential. A part-time technician working three days a week could realistically bring home around $29,569 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per diem roles are increasingly attractive; experienced technicians often receive rates between $22 and $32 per hour, while those with the CER credential may command up to $40, especially in agency placements. Demand for skilled SPD techs has surged, recently leading to lucrative travel contracts offering $1,000 to $1,500 weekly. Various employers, from hospitals to third-party service providers, further complicate the pay structure, with some offering solid benefits packages that may justify lower hourly rates. For technicians in Nashua, negotiating these aspects is key: understanding one’s value, considering the benefits trade-off, and being armed with knowledge about current rates can lead to more favorable compensation negotiations in a changing industry landscape.
More salary data for Nashua, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Nashua. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nashua is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov