Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $28.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Cambridge, MA runs $28.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,417 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,651 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $28.57 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This rate is reflective of the region's demand for skilled technicians, especially in various environments like hospital SPD decontamination rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. For part-time workers, such as those contributing just three days a week, the pay translates to roughly $3,500 per month, which can be quite appealing. Additionally, per-diem sterile processing technician pay in Cambridge is varied; entry-level positions might start around $20.71, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale can earn as much as $42.12 per hour. These hourly rates are informed by estimated annual salaries derived from comprehensive statistical data, demonstrating not only economic resilience but also a competitive edge in the healthcare job market.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.71 | $165.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.89 | $183.09 |
| Median (P50) | $28.57 | $228.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.18 | $281.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.12 | $336.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $28.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.57/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $59,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,280. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.67 | $4,952 | $59,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.60 | $2,971 | $35,651 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.07 | $1,981 | $23,767 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Cambridge) | $28.57 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $59,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.50% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 19.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,721.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.57/hr = $35,651/year (purchasing power: $32,858).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,419/year (purchasing power: $54,764).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cambridge grew 27.4% from $21.51/hr (2019) to $27.41/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.77/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
When considering the financial aspects of working as a sterile processing technician in Cambridge, part-time earnings can provide a solid income foundation. A technician working a 24-hour week would gross about $28,000 annually, contrasting with full-time counterparts who may clear upwards of $59,417. Agency placements allow for flexible per-diem work, with rates ranging typically from $22 to $32 per hour, depending on the technician's experience and credentials, particularly for certified endoscope reprocessors. Employer types also play a significant role in these variations; hospital sterile processing departments tend to offer more stable benefits compared to specialty surgical centers, which may provide higher hourly rates without benefits. Technicians often need to weigh their hourly pay against health insurance packages, as securing both can substantially affect total compensation. For those looking to negotiate their pay within this competitive landscape, emphasizing credentials like CRCST and CER can yield better results, particularly given the recent shift toward credential-required hiring in many healthcare systems.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Cambridge?
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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 Cambridge. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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