Manchester vs Salem: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Manchester, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,825▲ | $47,972 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.47▲ | $23.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,332▲ | $36,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,264▲ | $39,312 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,420▲ | $57,559 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,933 | $66,970▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $853 (1.78%). Manchester's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $23,601,Salem spans $30,590. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($46,211 effective) pays 3.36% more than Salem ($44,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,825/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,211)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,970)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Manchester grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$40,130 (2019) → $46,848 (2025)
Salem, NH
$50,261 (2024) → $46,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Manchester or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Manchester vs Salem?
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