Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Keene, NH: $47,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Keene, NH earns a median $47,099/year (≈ $22.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Keene's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $43,895 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Keene, New Hampshire is projected to reach $47,099, slightly below the national median of $47,724. Salaries for this role in the area vary widely, ranging from $37,762 at the lower end to $64,999 for the top 10% of earners. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the ongoing shift in the hiring landscape for sterile processing technicians. Since 2021, many local employers have required specific credentials, such as those endorsed by HSPA, to ensure a skilled workforce. This credential-driven hiring trend is shaping Keene's job market, making it critical for candidates to be aware of educational and certification requirements to enhance their employability and earning potential.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,762 | $18.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,967 | $19.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,099 | $22.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,317 | $27.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,999 | $31.25 |
Median Salary Position
1.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Keene
In Keene, NH, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,237 (2026 est.). At $47,099, the local median is 1.31% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Keene: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Keene Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Keene median: $47,099/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Keene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $49,164 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -1.31% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Keene, NH earn a median of $47,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $49,164.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Keene has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Keene, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,099 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,895 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,471
2025 BLS Actual
$45,192
2026 Current Est.
$47,099
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,471 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,299 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,087 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Keene metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,471 (2019) to $45,192 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,087 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,616 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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) | $37,762 – $39,967 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,967 – $47,099 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,099 – $56,317 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,317 – $64,999 |
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 Keene
Though only five sterile processing technicians are currently employed in Keene, the local job market shows signs of growth, with an estimated annual increase rate of 4.22% over the next five years. The cost of living index in Keene stands at 107.3, indicating that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be impacted due to higher living expenses compared to the national average. Those seeking sterile processing technician pay in Keene, NH, may find the highest compensation levels in hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, which often offer better pay scales compared to smaller practices. The disparity in salaries can be influenced by various factors, including shift differentials for evening and overnight work, the value of additional credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as supervisory roles in trauma center environments. To maximize earning potential in this competitive market, candidates should pursue further certifications and aim for positions that capitalize on their skills and experience.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Keene?
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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 $45,192 for sterile processing techniciansin the Keene 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 Keene 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