Boston vs Needham: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Boston, MA and Needham, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Needham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,871▲ | $48,842 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.26▲ | $23.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,185▲ | $37,594 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,265▲ | $40,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,773▲ | $58,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,170▲ | $68,805 |
| Total Employed | 1,310▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Needham.
The salary gap between Boston and Needham is $12,029 (24.63%). 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,Needham spans $31,211. Needham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($56,224 effective) pays 24.90% more than Needham ($45,016 effective).
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 Needham 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 Needham over the same period.
Boston, MA
$50,220 (2019) → $58,406 (2025)
Needham, MA
$57,567 (2024) → $46,864 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Needham, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Boston or Needham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Needham?
Should I relocate from Boston to Needham as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Boston vs Needham?
Related Comparisons
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
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