Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $27.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Worcester, MA runs $27.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,790 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,676 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $27.79, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $22.94. This compensation reflects the growing demand for certified professionals, particularly in hospital sterile processing departments (SPD) and other specialized settings, such as ambulatory surgery centers and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For part-time workers, such as those committed to 24-hour weeks, this rate translates to a recommended income of approximately $43,592 annually, making this an attractive option for those seeking flexible work schedules. Entry-level technicians earn around $22.08 per hour, while experienced professionals can command as much as $34.58 per hour, demonstrating a clear progression based on skill and expertise. These projections are derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.08 | $176.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.58 | $188.68 |
| Median (P50) | $27.79 | $222.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.21 | $225.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.58 | $276.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $27.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.79/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $57,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,342. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.40 | $4,816 | $57,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.84 | $2,890 | $34,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.56 | $1,926 | $23,117 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Worcester) | $27.79 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $57,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.09% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 16.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,690.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.79/hr = $34,676/year (purchasing power: $33,822).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,793/year (purchasing power: $56,371).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Worcester grew 27.4% from $20.93/hr (2019) to $26.66/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.96/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
Part-time sterile processing technicians in Worcester can expect to take home about $43,592 annually while working three days a week at 24 hours. For those pursuing per-diem roles, pay can vary widely; typical rates range between $22 and $32 per hour, depending on the facility and the technician's credentials. Notably, those with the CER credential in endoscope reprocessing can see rates climb to between $28 and $40 per hour in agency placements. Travel contracts, increasingly popular post-2020, can offer lucrative pay averaging $1,000 to $1,500 per week, but this may come with less job security. Employers varied between hospital settings, specialty surgical centers, and dental practices, leading to distinct pay structures. Some sterile processing technicians accept lower hourly rates for the benefits provided by full-time positions, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation should focus on leveraging skills and certifications, such as those certified through HSPA, to secure competitive hourly rates in Worcester's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Worcester, 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 Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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