Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Billerica vs Worcester: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Billerica, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Billerica, MA
$48,139
$23.15/hr
Worcester, MA
$57,790
$27.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBillerica, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$48,139$57,790
Hourly Rate$23.15$27.79
Entry Level (P10)$35,948$45,934
25th Percentile$41,920$49,045
75th Percentile$59,092$58,680
Top Earner (P90)$69,571$71,917
Total Employed7200
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Billerica ($48,139) and Worcester ($57,790) sterile processing technician salaries.BillericaWorcesterMedian Salary$48,139$57,790Entry Level (P10)$35,948$45,934Top Earner (P90)$69,571$71,917US Median $47,724

Verdict

Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Billerica.

The salary gap between Billerica and Worcester is $9,651 (20.05%). Worcester's median is +21.09% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billerica spans $33,623,Worcester spans $25,983. Billerica has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Billerica
P10 (Entry)$35,948
P25$41,920
Median$48,139
P75$59,092
P90 (Top)$69,571
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$45,934
P25$49,045
Median$57,790
P75$58,680
P90 (Top)$71,917

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($56,368 effective) pays 27.05% more than Billerica ($44,368 effective).

Billerica
Nominal: $48,139
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $44,368
Worcester
Nominal: $57,790
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $56,368

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Billerica if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,790/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($71,917)
  • Larger job market (200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,368)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Billerica grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Billerica, MA

+-18.6%

$56,739 (2024) → $46,190 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+16.1%

$47,780 (2021) → $55,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Billerica or Worcester?

Worcester has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $57,790/year, compared to Billerica at $48,139/year — a difference of $9,651 (20.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Billerica and Worcester?

Billerica sterile processing technicians earn $23.15/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $27.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Billerica to Worcester as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Billerica and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Billerica = $44,368, Worcester = $56,368), job availability (7 vs 200 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Billerica vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $35,948 in Billerica and $45,934 in Worcester. The Worcester area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov