Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Amherst, MA: $49,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Amherst, MA earns a median $49,259/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for sterile processing technicians in Amherst, Massachusetts, is expected to reach a median of $49,259 annually, which offers an attractive compensation when compared to the national median of $47,724. The local salary range for this role spans from $37,187 at the 10th percentile to $68,628 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant variation in pay that may be influenced by factors like shift differentials. Jobs requiring evening or overnight shifts for surgical tray turnover tend to drive higher compensation, reflecting the demanding nature of the role. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost-of-living adjustments, again underscoring the local market context that can directly impact pay for sterile processing technicians in this area.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,187 | $17.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,193 | $20.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,259 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,905 | $28.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,628 | $33.00 |
Median Salary Position
3.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,441 (2026 est.). At $49,259, the local median is 3.22% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amherst Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Amherst median: $49,259/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,706 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +3.22% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Amherst, MA earn a median of $49,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.22% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,706.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,259 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,400 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,098
2025 BLS Actual
$47,264
2026 Current Est.
$49,259
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,871 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,101 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,264 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $37,098 (2019) to $47,264 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,239 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,187 – $43,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,193 – $49,259 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,259 – $58,905 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,905 – $68,628 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Amherst
As of now, there are approximately six sterile processing technicians employed in Amherst, creating a relatively small but potentially competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the reality of living expenses may affect purchasing power for local technicians, thereby influencing salary expectations. Among the prominent employers, hospital sterile processing departments generally offer the highest pay, followed by ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical practices. The difference in compensation often stems from factors such as shift differentials, credential stacking (including certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER), and the specific clinical environment. Technicians looking to enhance their earnings should focus on acquiring multiple certifications and consider seeking roles in facilities designated as trauma centers or those that provide specialized services. In the evolving landscape of sterile processing, where credential requirements have become more stringent since 2021, investing in ongoing education and skills development is key to maximizing pay in the Amherst market.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Amherst, MA in 2026?
Is Amherst, MA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Amherst?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Amherst?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,264 for sterile processing techniciansin the Amherst metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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