Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Burlington, VT: $50,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Burlington, VT earns a median $50,916/year (≈ $24.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $50,437 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% above the Vermont state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Burlington, Vermont, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $50,916, reflecting a lucrative compensation landscape when compared to the national median of $47,724. This market in Burlington shows potential for growth, with salaries ranging from $43,452 at the 10th percentile to $73,368 at the 90th percentile. Such figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and highlight how shift differentials and the demand for evening or overnight surgical tray turnover can significantly boost earnings for technicians in this field. Those looking to enter or advance in this profession should be optimistic about the employment landscape, as Burlington's healthcare sector is increasingly relying on skilled technicians to meet rising procedural demands.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,452 | $20.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,495 | $23.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,916 | $24.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,368 | $35.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,368 | $35.28 |
Median Salary Position
6.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, VT, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,916 (2026 est.). At $50,916, the local median is 6.69% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Burlington median: $50,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $47,407 | +7.40% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +6.69% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Burlington, VT earn a median of $50,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.69% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 7.40% above the Vermont state average of $47,407.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 0.95% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 100.949 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,916 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,437 — a 0.94% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,346
2025 BLS Actual
$48,854
2026 Current Est.
$50,916
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,739 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,484 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,854 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $38,346 (2019) to $48,854 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,718 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $43,452 – $48,495 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,495 – $50,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,916 – $73,368 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,368 – $73,368 |
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 Burlington
With approximately 70 sterile processing technicians currently employed in Burlington, the job market shows a solid demand for these professionals. Given the cost of living index standing at 100.949, it adds context to the take-home pay levels and indicates that while salaries are competitive, local living expenses are slightly above the national average. Major employers in the area, including hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, tend to offer the highest wages, driven by the necessity for emergency surgical support and specialized credentialing. Variables affecting salary extremes include shift differentials for evening or overnight roles and additional certifications like CRCST, CIS, or CER. To maximize earning potential in this unique Burlington market, technicians are advised to pursue advanced credentials, seek roles in higher-paying facilities, and focus on obtaining experience in trauma centers or outpatient surgical environments.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Burlington, VT in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Burlington?
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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 $48,854 for sterile processing techniciansin the Burlington 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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