Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Manchester, CT: $48,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Manchester, CT earns a median $48,453/year (≈ $23.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $44,905 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is $48,453 for the year 2026, reflecting a competitive standing against the national median of $47,724. The salary range in this locality varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $36,474 (P10) and experienced technicians making as much as $71,081 (P90). These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, which highlight the evolving job market, particularly since the credential-required hiring shift post-2021. Employers are increasingly seeking certified professionals in sterile processing, contributing to a more robust job environment for those who hold qualifications such as the CRCST or other specialty credentials.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,474 | $17.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,831 | $19.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,453 | $23.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,724 | $28.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,081 | $34.17 |
Median Salary Position
1.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,607 (2026 est.). At $48,453, the local median is 1.53% 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: $48,453/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $48,021 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +1.53% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Manchester, CT earn a median of $48,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.53% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% above the Connecticut state average of $48,021.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,453 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,905 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,491
2025 BLS Actual
$46,491
2026 Current Est.
$48,453
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 | $36,491 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,429 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,491 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,498 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,491 (2019) to $46,491 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,498 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,007 (38.38%) 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) | $36,474 – $39,831 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,831 – $48,453 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,453 – $59,724 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,724 – $71,081 |
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
The local job market in Manchester supports 11 specialists, reflecting a niche yet stable demand for sterile processing technicians. While Manchester boasts a slightly higher cost of living index at 107.9, the purchasing power is viable for those employed in this field. Several employers, including hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, tend to offer the most competitive wages. Variations in pay can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight work, the breadth of specialized credentials, and the differing demands between hospital settings and private clinics. For those aiming to maximize earnings, pursuing additional certifications like CIS or CER, along with seeking opportunities for lead or supervisor roles within trauma centers, can significantly enhance overall compensation in the Manchester market.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K 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
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 $46,491 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