Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $23.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Needham, MA runs $23.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Needham, Massachusetts, can expect an hourly pay of $23.48, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This competitive hourly rate provides a solid income for part-time workers, who may typically clock in around three days a week, translating into 24 hours. For those in per-diem roles, the variety of settings—such as hospital SPD decontamination rooms, endoscope reprocessing areas, and operating room staging zones—offers flexibility and the chance to earn commensurate pay. Entry-level technicians may start around $18.07 hourly, while top earners can make up to $33.08. These figures serve as a guide for understanding what one might earn while working to meet the rising credentialing demands of the industry, particularly the push for certifications like CRCST from HSPA.
About the Needham 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) | $18.07 | $144.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.44 | $155.50 |
| Median (P50) | $23.48 | $187.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.36 | $226.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.08 | $264.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $23.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.48/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,177. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.23 | $4,070 | $48,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.54 | $2,442 | $29,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.69 | $1,628 | $19,536 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Needham) | $23.48 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $48,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.34% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,686.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.48/hr = $29,304/year (purchasing power: $27,008).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,840/year (purchasing power: $45,014).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Needham grew 27.4% from $17.68/hr (2019) to $22.53/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.47/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 Needham 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 Needham
The earnings potential for a sterile processing technician working in Needham largely hinges on their work schedule and employer type. A technician working part-time for 24 hours a week would pocket approximately $29,900 annually, presenting a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. The per diem aspect of this profession can be lucrative; while some may bill between $22 and $32 per hour, those with specialty credentials like Certified Endoscope Reprocessor may see rates between $28 and $40 in agency roles. As demand grows, travel contracts have emerged, offering pay rates of $1,000 to $1,500 weekly in response to shortages. Hourly pay can widely vary across settings, with those in hospital SPDs generally receiving different rates compared to those in ambulatory surgery centers or third-party services. Technicians often have to weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and the benefits commonly offered by full-time positions, affecting their job negotiations and work choices. In Needham, focusing on flexibility and networking can enhance earning potential for both full-time and part-time roles within this rapidly evolving field.
More salary data for Needham, 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 Needham. 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 Needham 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