Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Bedford, NH: $46,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Bedford, NH earns a median $46,301/year (≈ $22.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Bedford's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $43,151 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median annual salary of $46,301 for sterile processing technicians in Bedford, New Hampshire, professionals in this field enjoy a competitive wage compared to their peers nationally, with the average differing by only 2.98%. The salary range for this occupation in Bedford spans from $35,760 at the 10th percentile to $65,157 at the 90th percentile, offering a variety of compensation opportunities based on experience and skills. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local living costs, reflect the increasing demand for certified sterile processing technicians, especially those skilled in endoscope reprocessing, or CER, a rapidly growing specialty in response to heightened attention on infection control. The evolving requirements in this sector indicate promising job prospects for those seeking to enter or advance in the medical field in Bedford.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,760 | $17.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,165 | $19.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,301 | $22.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,143 | $26.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,157 | $31.33 |
Median Salary Position
2.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bedford
In Bedford, NH, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,397 (2026 est.). At $46,301, the local median is 2.98% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bedford Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Bedford median: $46,301/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $49,152 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -2.98% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Bedford, NH earn a median of $46,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.98% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $49,152.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bedford has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bedford, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,301 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,151 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,870
2025 BLS Actual
$44,426
2026 Current Est.
$46,301
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,597 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,509 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,255 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bedford metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,870 (2019) to $44,426 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,255 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,385 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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) | $35,760 – $41,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,165 – $46,301 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,301 – $56,143 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,143 – $65,157 |
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 Bedford
Despite the healthy salary range, it's essential to consider the local job market dynamics. Currently, six sterile processing technicians are employed in Bedford, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled professionals in healthcare settings. With a cost-of-living index of 107.3, workers face a somewhat higher living expense, which can impact purchasing power despite the favorable salary projections. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers typically offer the highest salaries, but individuals maximizing their earnings should target specialties like trauma centers and seek additional certifications, such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, to further boost their marketability. Understanding the factors that drive wage disparities, including shift differentials and workload, can provide a strategic edge in negotiating for higher pay.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Bedford?
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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 $44,426 for sterile processing techniciansin the Bedford 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 Bedford 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