Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Northampton, MA: $22.88 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Northampton, MA runs $22.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,581 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Northampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,550 per year.

$47,581
Median Annual Salary
$22.88/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,344
Entry Level (P10)
$67,693
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Northampton, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Northampton, MA sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Northampton, Massachusetts, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $22.88 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $22.94. This wage is essential for professionals who often work in various settings, including hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,097.44 a week or roughly $57,058 annually if they work a full year, making this role a viable option for both per-diem workers and full-time technicians. With an hourly range estimated from $18.44 at the entry-level (P10) to as high as $32.55 for top earners (P90), there’s significant potential for wage growth as they gain experience and credentials, particularly with the increasing emphasis on certification in the field.

About the Northampton Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.44$147.49
Lower Range (P25)$19.59$156.75
Median (P50)$22.88$183.01
Upper Range (P75)$27.76$222.11
Top Earners (P90)$32.55$260.38

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northampton

Based on $22.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Northampton earning $22.88/hr would make approximately $27,452 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $47,583 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$27,452Reduced (32 hr/wk)$36,602Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$47,583

At $22.88/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northampton, MA can expect to earn approximately $47,583 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,452. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northampton.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$183.01
per 8hr shift
$915.05
per week
$3,965
per month
$47,583
per year

Schedule Comparison in Northampton

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$915.05$3,965$47,583
Part-Time (24 hrs)$549.03$2,379$28,550
Per Diem (16 hrs)$366.02$1,586$19,033

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Northampton)$22.88
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Northampton ($47,581) with Massachusetts average ($49,718) and the US national median ($47,724).Northampton$47,581Massachusetts Avg$49,718-4.30%US National$47,724-0.30%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Northampton, MA earn a median of $47,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,718.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $22.88/hr = $28,550/year (purchasing power: $26,313).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,583/year (purchasing power: $43,855).

CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$17.23/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$21.95/hr

2026 Current Est.

$22.88/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Northampton (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Northampton. Baseline $17.23/hr in 2025, projected to $23.84/hr by 2027.$15$19$22$26$292019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.23$17.85$17.59$19.09$20.84$26.96$21.95$22.88$23.84
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.23/hrActual
2020$17.85/hrActual
2021$17.59/hrActual
2022$19.09/hrActual
2023$20.84/hrActual
2024$26.96/hrActual
2025$21.95/hrActual
2026(current)$22.88/hrEstimated
2027$23.84/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Northampton grew 27.4% from $17.23/hr (2019) to $21.95/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.84/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northampton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Northampton

When considering part-time work, a sterile processing technician in Northampton, working an average of 24 hours a week would bring home an estimated $28,846 annually, noticeably less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem positions provide another perspective, with technicians typically billing between $22 and $32 an hour, while certified endoscope reprocessors can command $28 to $40 in agency placements. Notably, travel contracts for sterile processing technicians have recently emerged, offering $1,000 to $1,500 a week in shortage markets, presenting an appealing alternative for flexible work. Employers in Northampton, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialized dental practices, often offer varied hourly rates based on benefits. Some technicians might choose lower hourly rewards for the security of health insurance, emphasizing the importance of benefit negotiation. For those navigating compensation talks in Northampton, being aware of regional salary trends and articulating the value of specialized credentials can enhance bargaining power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Northampton in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Northampton is $22.88/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $18.44 at entry level (10th percentile) to $32.55 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.3% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Northampton?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Northampton earns approximately $2,379/month, or $28,550/year at the median hourly rate of $22.88. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Northampton paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Northampton are paid hourly at a median rate of $22.88/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $47,583/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Northampton?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Northampton earns approximately $47,583/year at the median hourly rate of $22.88. This is 0.3% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $67,700/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Northampton?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Northampton sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $32.55/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Northampton. 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 Northampton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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