Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $29.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Boston, MA runs $29.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,523 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, sterile processing technicians are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $29.26 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $22.94 per hour. This competitive rate is particularly impactful for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work within various healthcare settings. Many sterile processing technicians work three days a week, which can yield a consistent take-home pay while allowing flexibility. The hourly pay for this role varies widely, ranging from $22.68 for entry-level positions to as much as $37.10 for experienced technicians, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals and the growth in the industry. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring an accurate outlook for professionals in the field.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.68 | $181.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.17 | $193.35 |
| Median (P50) | $29.26 | $234.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.14 | $249.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.10 | $296.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $29.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.26/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,118. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,170.60 | $5,073 | $60,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.36 | $3,044 | $36,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.24 | $2,029 | $24,348 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Boston) | $29.26 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Boston, MA earn a median of $60,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.55% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 22.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,690.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.26/hr = $36,523/year (purchasing power: $33,734).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,871/year (purchasing power: $56,224).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Boston grew 16.3% from $24.14/hr (2019) to $28.08/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Boston
For those working part-time as sterile processing technicians, the annual income from 24 hours per week can provide a comfortable living while still offering flexibility. In this situation, technicians might take home approximately $45,500 annually, a figure that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic compared to full-time earnings. Additionally, per diem sterile processing technician pay in Boston can range from $22 to $32 per hour, while those holding CER credentials for endoscope reprocessing may command between $28 and $40 per hour in agency roles. Hourly rates can vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and third-party service providers often offer differing compensation structures. Some technicians may choose roles with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance, that come with full-time positions. Effective negotiation tactics are crucial in this market, especially in a city like Boston where job competition is strong. Understanding individual worth and leveraging credentials, such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, can empower sterile processing technicians in discussing their compensation.
More salary data for Boston, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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