Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $23.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Lowell, MA runs $23.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,847 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sterile processing technicians in Lowell, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.96 in 2026, which is above the national median of $22.94. This competitive pay opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, especially in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, can benefit substantially from the hourly rate, while per-diem roles may vary. The estimated hourly pay for entry-level technicians starts around $18.69, rising to $36.09 for top earners. This range emphasizes the potential for growth in the field, particularly for those who are CRCST certified or looking to stack credentials like CIS and CER.
About the Lowell 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) | $18.69 | $149.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.20 | $161.58 |
| Median (P50) | $23.96 | $191.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.05 | $240.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.09 | $288.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $23.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.96/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $49,837 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,752. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $958.41 | $4,153 | $49,837 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.04 | $2,492 | $29,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.36 | $1,661 | $19,935 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Lowell) | $23.96 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $49,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.45% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,698.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.96/hr = $29,902/year (purchasing power: $27,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,837/year (purchasing power: $45,933).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Lowell grew 27.4% from $18.04/hr (2019) to $22.99/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.97/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Analyzing the compensation landscape for sterile processing technicians in Lowell reveals intriguing dynamics, especially regarding part-time earnings versus full-time positions. A technician working 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay would take home approximately $29,956 annually, while their full-time counterparts working 40 hours weekly can make around $49,847. Per-diem technicians typically charge between $22 and $32 per hour, with CER-credentialed professionals in agency placements earning even more, often between $28 and $40 per hour. Different employer types also affect hourly pay—hospitals may offer benefits that justify slightly lower pay, while specialty centers and third-party service providers often provide higher rates but without associated health benefits. This can create a dilemma for technicians balancing pay against job security and health coverage. For those negotiating in Lowell, emphasizing certifications and being aware of the competitive per diem landscape can provide strategic advantages in securing desirable pay rates.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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