Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Colchester, VT: $43,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Colchester, VT earns a median $43,894/year (≈ $21.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Colchester's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $42,410 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Colchester, Vermont, the compensation for sterile processing technicians is notably influenced by factors such as shift differentials and the demand for evening or overnight surgical tray turnover. The projected median annual salary is $43,894, with a salary range extending from $36,352 at the lower end to $61,857 for top earners. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost dynamics. Such salary levels reflect the area's unique job market for sterile processing technicians, where specialized roles can dictate higher wages, particularly within hospitals and surgery centers.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,352 | $17.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,894 | $21.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,278 | $25.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,857 | $29.73 |
Median Salary Position
8.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colchester
In Colchester, VT, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,505 (2026 est.). At $43,894, the local median is 8.03% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Colchester Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Colchester median: $43,894/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $47,402 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.03% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Colchester, VT earn a median of $43,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.03% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $47,402.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colchester has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colchester, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $43,894 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,410 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,058
2025 BLS Actual
$42,117
2026 Current Est.
$43,894
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,058 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,259 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,625 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,747 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colchester metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,058 (2019) to $42,117 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,747 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,689 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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) | $36,352 – $38,090 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,090 – $43,894 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,894 – $53,278 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,278 – $61,857 |
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 Colchester
The local job market currently employs only four sterile processing technicians, indicating a limited yet potentially competitive environment for candidates. With a cost-of-living index of 103.5, professionals may find their take-home pay effectively reduced, impacting purchasing power compared to peers in other regions. Employers in Colchester, particularly those in hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Various factors contribute to the pay disparities, including the need for advanced credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER. Night shifts and lead roles often come with premium pay, significantly increasing earning potential. To maximize salary in this region, it's advisable for technicians to pursue further certification, consider positions that involve evening or overnight responsibilities, and stay informed about local job openings as the market evolves.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Colchester, VT in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Colchester?
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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 $42,117 for sterile processing techniciansin the Colchester 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 Colchester 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