Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $23.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Lawrence, MA runs $23.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,479 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,083 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sterile processing technicians in Lawrence, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly rate of $23.30, which surpasses the national hourly median of $22.94. This competitive pay reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in sterile processing departments within healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. For those working part-time at around three days a week, earning potential can still be substantial, particularly in roles focused on decontamination, assembly, and instrument processing. The hourly pay for sterile processing technicians ranges from $18.25 for entry-level positions to $34.11 for top earners, showcasing the growth opportunities available as one gains more experience and credentials, especially since the industry has transitioned to requiring certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER post-2021.
About the Lawrence 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) | $18.25 | $145.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.61 | $156.91 |
| Median (P50) | $23.30 | $186.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.19 | $233.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.11 | $272.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $23.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.30/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,964. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $932.14 | $4,039 | $48,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.29 | $2,424 | $29,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.86 | $1,616 | $19,389 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Lawrence) | $23.30 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $48,479 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,722.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.30/hr = $29,083/year (purchasing power: $26,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,471/year (purchasing power: $44,674).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Lawrence grew 27.4% from $17.55/hr (2019) to $22.36/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.29/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
For part-time workers clocking in 24 hours a week, the annual pay can lead to approximately $28,000, significantly less than what a full-time technician might earn but still viable for those balancing multiple commitments. Per diem work options are popular, with technicians commonly charging between $22 and $32 an hour, and specialized roles, such as CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors, earning as much as $40. Agency placements have become an attractive avenue post-2020 due to labor shortages, with contracts reaching up to $1,500 a week. Hospital sterile processing departments typically offer different pay scales compared to dental specialty practices, often providing benefits like health insurance. When negotiating salaries, it's vital for workers in Lawrence to assess the trade-offs between hourly rates and the benefits that come with a regular job, ensuring that their chosen compensation aligns with their career goals and personal needs.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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