Entry-Level Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Plymouth, MA: $37,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:New sterile processing technicians entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,745 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9093, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,788 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,050) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking their first position as a sterile processing technician in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the expected starting pay in 2026 is around $37,745. This figure represents a significant starting point when comparing it to the city's overall median salary of $50,050. New graduates can anticipate moving up the salary scale quickly in their first few years, with entry-level salaries expected to progress into the $41,042 range at the 25th percentile, as they gain experience and potentially pursue certifications. The growing demand for such roles, coupled with a projected growth rate of 4.22% in the field, makes Plymouth an appealing market for aspiring technicians.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level sterile processing technicians in Plymouth, MA typically start between $37,745 and $41,042 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,510 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,050 — 4.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sterile processing program cost in Massachusetts of $5,000 represents just 13.25% of the starting sterile processing technician pay ($37,745/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CBSPD and HSPA-aligned sterile processing program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, hospital-based, private vocational) and program length. Reported as SOC 31-9093 (Medical Equipment Preparers).
SPT, CRCST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level sterile processing technician pay ranges from $37,745 to $41,042, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the sterile processing field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Sterile Processing Technician Compensation Range
The sterile processing technician wage spread in Plymouth is $35,510 ( 94.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,745, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,255.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,389
2025 BLS Actual
$36,217
2026 Current Est.
$37,745
2019–2027 Growth
+49.1%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,304 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,338 | Projected |
Entry-level sterile processing technician compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 37.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,389 in 2019 to $36,217 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,338. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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.
Starting Your sterile processing Career in Plymouth
In Plymouth, local hospitals are the primary employers of new graduate sterile processing technicians, often providing employer-sponsored CRCST training programs to those just starting out. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) present alternative opportunities without the on-call demands typical of hospital positions. For those looking to enhance their starting sterile processing technician salary, credentials such as CRCST through HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM) and additional specializations like CIS or CER can significantly increase earning potential in Massachusetts. With changes in hiring practices since 2021 emphasizing credentialing, it’s essential for new hires to consider obtaining these certifications early in their careers. Realistically, first-year salaries are likely to remain close to the entry-level mark, but with dedication and continued education, a technician can envision reaching salaries that approach the median as they build their skills and expertise in the field.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new sterile processing graduates. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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