Sterile Processing Tech Salary

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.

$49,171
Median Annual Salary
$23.64/hr
Hourly Rate
$36,303
Entry Level (P10)
$70,869
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Nashua, NH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Nashua, NH sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Nashua earning $23.64/hr would make approximately $28,365 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $49,165 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$28,365Reduced (32 hr/wk)$37,819Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$49,165

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$189.10
per 8hr shift
$945.48
per week
$4,097
per month
$49,165
per year

Schedule Comparison in Nashua

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Nashua ($49,171) and the US national median ($47,724).Nashua$49,171US National$47,724+3.03%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Nashua. Baseline $17.80/hr in 2025, projected to $24.63/hr by 2027.$16$19$21$24$262019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.80$18.45$18.17$19.72$21.53$24.69$22.68$23.64$24.63
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.80/hrActual
2020$18.45/hrActual
2021$18.17/hrActual
2022$19.72/hrActual
2023$21.53/hrActual
2024$24.69/hrActual
2025$22.68/hrActual
2026(current)$23.64/hrEstimated
2027$24.63/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashua metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Nashua in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Nashua is $23.64/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $17.46 at entry level (10th percentile) to $34.07 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Nashua?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Nashua earns approximately $2,458/month, or $29,499/year at the median hourly rate of $23.64. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Nashua paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Nashua are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.64/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $49,165/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Nashua?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Nashua earns approximately $49,165/year at the median hourly rate of $23.64. This is 3.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $70,865/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Nashua?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Nashua sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $34.07/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New Hampshire

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

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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