Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Salem, NH: $47,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Salem, NH earns a median $47,972/year (≈ $23.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Salem's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $44,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those considering a career as a sterile processing technician in Salem, New Hampshire, can expect a median annual salary of $47,972. This figure reflects a competitive pay scale when placed alongside the projected range of salaries extending from $36,380 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $66,970 at the upper end (90th percentile). These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors in the Salem area. Following a significant shift in the industry post-2021, many local employers now require specific credentials for hiring sterile processing technicians, which has influenced both the quality of candidates and their compensation potential within this evolving market.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,380 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,312 | $18.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,972 | $23.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,559 | $27.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,970 | $32.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, NH, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,590 (2026 est.). At $47,972, the local median is 0.52% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $47,972/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $49,152 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +0.52% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Salem, NH earn a median of $47,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.52% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $49,152.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,972 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,708 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,129
2025 BLS Actual
$46,030
2026 Current Est.
$47,972
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,129 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,028 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,129 (2019) to $46,030 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,868 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,380 – $39,312 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,312 – $47,972 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,972 – $57,559 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,559 – $66,970 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Salem
The job market in Salem currently supports eight sterile processing technicians, indicating a niche but essential demand for this occupation. With a cost-of-living index of 107.3, individuals in this field must consider how their income translates to actual purchasing power in the area. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and large dental specialty practices. Various factors contribute to the disparity in salaries, including shift differentials for evening or overnight work, as well as the value of specialty credential stacking—such as holding certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER—which can significantly enhance earning potential. For those looking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Salem, strategic moves might include pursuing additional certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying facilities, or considering roles that involve more complex tasks, such as supervising teams or working in trauma centers.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Salem?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,030 for sterile processing techniciansin the Salem metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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