Burlington vs Essex Junction: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Burlington, VT and Essex Junction, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Essex Junction, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,916▲ | $44,829 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.47▲ | $21.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,452▲ | $35,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,495▲ | $39,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,368▲ | $54,555 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,368▲ | $63,403 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $6,087 (13.58%). Burlington's median is +6.69% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $29,916,Essex Junction spans $28,296. Burlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($50,437 effective) pays 16.45% more than Essex Junction ($43,313 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,916/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,368)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,437)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Burlington grew 21.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -4.4% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$40,370 (2023) → $48,854 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$45,009 (2024) → $43,014 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Burlington or Essex Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Essex Junction?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Essex Junction as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov