Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Boston vs Dracut: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Boston, MA
$60,871
$29.26/hr
Dracut, MA
$47,615
$22.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MADracut, MA
Median Salary$60,871$47,615
Hourly Rate$29.26$22.89
Entry Level (P10)$47,185$38,629
25th Percentile$50,265$40,833
75th Percentile$64,773$57,908
Top Earner (P90)$77,170$67,690
Total Employed1,3106
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($60,871) and Dracut ($47,615) sterile processing technician salaries.BostonDracutMedian Salary$60,871$47,615Entry Level (P10)$47,185$38,629Top Earner (P90)$77,170$67,690US Median $47,724

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boston and Dracut is $13,256 (27.84%). Boston's median is +27.55% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $29,985,Dracut spans $29,061. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$47,185
P25$50,265
Median$60,871
P75$64,773
P90 (Top)$77,170
Dracut
P10 (Entry)$38,629
P25$40,833
Median$47,615
P75$57,908
P90 (Top)$67,690

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($56,224 effective) pays 28.12% more than Dracut ($43,885 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $60,871
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $56,224
Dracut
Nominal: $47,615
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $43,885

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,871/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($77,170)
  • Larger job market (1,310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,224)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Dracut if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Boston grew 16.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.6% growth in Dracut over the same period.

Boston, MA

+16.3%

$50,220 (2019) → $58,406 (2025)

Dracut, MA

+-18.6%

$56,121 (2024) → $45,687 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Boston or Dracut?

Boston has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $60,871/year, compared to Dracut at $47,615/year — a difference of $13,256 (27.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Dracut?

Boston sterile processing technicians earn $29.26/hr while Dracut hygienists earn $22.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Dracut as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Dracut. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $56,224, Dracut = $43,885), job availability (1,310 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Boston vs Dracut?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $47,185 in Boston and $38,629 in Dracut. The Boston 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