Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Essex Junction, VT: $44,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Essex Junction, VT earns a median $44,829/year (≈ $21.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Essex Junction's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $43,313 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Essex Junction, Vermont, the projected salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 stands at $44,829, which reflects a modest 6.07% decrease compared to the national median of $47,724. The salary range for these roles runs from $35,107 at the 10th percentile to $63,403 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as shift differentials—especially for evening and overnight surgical tray turnover—significantly influence local pay rates. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living. The job market in Essex Junction suggests that opportunities remain stable, creating potential for growth within this vital healthcare sector.
About the Essex Junction Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,107 | $16.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,052 | $18.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,829 | $21.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,555 | $26.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,403 | $30.48 |
Median Salary Position
6.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Essex Junction
In Essex Junction, VT, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,296 (2026 est.). At $44,829, the local median is 6.07% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Essex Junction: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Essex Junction Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Essex Junction median: $44,829/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Essex Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $47,438 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -6.07% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $44,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.07% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $47,438.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Essex Junction has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Essex Junction, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $44,829 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,313 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,762
2025 BLS Actual
$43,014
2026 Current Est.
$44,829
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,988 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,832 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,009 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Essex Junction metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,762 (2019) to $43,014 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,959 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Essex Junction 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) | $35,107 – $39,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,052 – $44,829 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,829 – $54,555 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,555 – $63,403 |
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 Essex Junction
Looking at the employment landscape, there are currently six sterile processing technicians in Essex Junction, VT. A cost-of-living index of 103.5 indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of local salaries. Among the various employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest wages compared to ambulatory surgery and specialty centers. The range in pay can be attributed to several factors, including credentialing—which has gained importance since 2021—and the type of facility, with hospitals often paying more due to their higher demands and complexity. For technicians seeking to enhance their earnings, pursuing certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER can be a sound strategy, as additional qualifications are increasingly favored in this evolving industry. In a market where specialized skills are valued, aligning one’s credentials with the current employer demand can result in improved pay prospects in Essex Junction.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Essex Junction?
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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 $43,014 for sterile processing techniciansin the Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction 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