Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Manchester, NJ: $50,846 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Manchester, NJ earns a median $50,846/year (≈ $24.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Manchester, New Jersey, is projected to be $50,846, surpassing the national median of $47,724 by 6.54%. Local salaries range significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $41,512 and more experienced technicians earning up to $74,768. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the local job market's dynamics. Notably, the demand for specialized roles, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, continues to bolster compensation levels due to the increased focus on infection control and compliance within healthcare facilities in Manchester.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,512 | $19.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,956 | $21.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,846 | $24.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,193 | $28.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,768 | $35.95 |
Median Salary Position
6.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,256 (2026 est.). At $50,846, the local median is 6.54% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Manchester median: $50,846/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $52,799 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +6.54% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $50,846 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.54% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $52,799.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,846 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,137 — a 13.19% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$38,293
2025 BLS Actual
$48,787
2026 Current Est.
$50,846
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,293 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,846 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,992 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $38,293 (2019) to $48,787 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,992 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,699 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $41,512 – $43,956 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,956 – $50,846 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,846 – $60,193 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,193 – $74,768 |
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 Manchester
Analyzing the job market for sterile processing technicians in Manchester reveals a competitive environment, with only nine professionals currently employed in this area. The average cost of living in the region, indicated by a CoL index of 115.2, suggests that salaries must stretch to cover everyday expenses. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and large specialty surgical centers are often the highest payers in this market, especially for roles with added responsibilities in trauma settings or supervisory positions. The variation in salaries can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight shifts, the stacking of credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, and the specific institutional demands of the employer. For technicians looking to maximize their pay, pursuing additional certifications and negotiating for shifts that require specialized skills can lead to better financial outcomes, making it essential for professionals in Manchester to continuously advance their expertise in this evolving field.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Manchester, NJ in 2026?
Is Manchester, NJ a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Manchester?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Manchester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 $48,787 for sterile processing techniciansin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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