Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Manchester, NH: $23.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Manchester, NH runs $23.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,825 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.7, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,291 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Manchester, NH, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $23.47 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This hourly rate significantly influences part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities, especially in environments like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and instrument processing rooms. For a technician working part-time three days a week, this median rate represents a predictable income stream conducive to maintaining a work-life balance. Entry-level technicians can expect hourly wages starting around $19.87, while seasoned professionals may earn upwards of $31.21, showcasing a wide range of earning potential within the field based on experience and credentials.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.87 | $159.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.72 | $181.76 |
| Median (P50) | $23.47 | $187.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.57 | $228.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.21 | $249.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $23.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.47/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NH can expect to earn approximately $48,818 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,164. With a cost-of-living index of 105.66 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.81 | $4,068 | $48,818 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.29 | $2,441 | $29,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.53 | $1,627 | $19,527 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Manchester) | $23.47 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Manchester, NH earn a median of $48,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $49,169.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.47/hr = $29,291/year (purchasing power: $27,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,818/year (purchasing power: $46,205).
CoL index: 105.657 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.8%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Manchester grew 16.7% from $19.29/hr (2019) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Manchester
For technicians considering part-time work, a 24-hour workweek at the median wage translates to an annual take-home pay of approximately $29,000, a figure that can be significantly supplemented by per-diem or agency work. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Manchester typically ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, while those with CER credentials for endoscope reprocessing can command rates between $28 and $40. Travel contracts have emerged post-2020, offering enticing weekly payouts of $1,000 to $1,500, appealing to technicians looking for flexible opportunities. The pay can vary drastically depending on the type of employer, with hospital settings often providing more stable benefits despite potentially lower hourly rates compared to specialty surgical centers or third-party service providers. Technicians must weigh these options carefully, as accepting a lower hourly rate may yield greater health insurance and retirement benefits, whereas higher hourly compensation might come with limited perks. Understanding the local market in Manchester, including negotiation strategies and acknowledging trends in credentialing requirements, can enhance earning potential for those in the sterile processing field.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Manchester?
Are sterile processing technicians in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Manchester?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Manchester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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