Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Cambridge, MA: $59,417 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Cambridge, MA earns a median $59,417/year (≈ $28.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $54,762 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.5% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, it's projected that a sterile processing technician will earn a median annual salary of $59,417 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This figure represents a notable 24.50% increase compared to the national median of $47,724. The local salary range for this occupation spans from $43,081 at the lower 10th percentile to $87,600 at the 90th percentile. These estimates reflect the competitive landscape of Cambridge's healthcare job market, particularly as hospitals and surgical centers have increasingly shifted toward requiring credentialed professionals since 2021. This change indicates a growing acknowledgment of the specialized skills necessary for these roles, responding to demands for higher standards in patient care and sterilization processes.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,081 | $20.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,599 | $22.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,417 | $28.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,191 | $35.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,600 | $42.12 |
Median Salary Position
24.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,519 (2026 est.). At $59,417, the local median is 24.5% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $59,417/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,721 | +19.50% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +24.50% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $59,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.50% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 19.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,721.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,417 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,762 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,748
2025 BLS Actual
$57,011
2026 Current Est.
$59,417
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,374 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,681 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,763 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,417 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $44,748 (2019) to $57,011 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,176 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $43,081 – $47,599 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,599 – $59,417 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,417 – $73,191 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,191 – $87,600 |
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 Cambridge
As of the latest data, there are 22 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the Cambridge area. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the purchasing power may be challenged even though salaries are relatively high compared to other regions. In terms of pay, hospitals typically offer the highest salaries among local employers, with ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices following suit. Factors contributing to the disparity in earnings include shift differentials for evening and overnight work, credential stacking with certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, and the varying responsibilities associated with supervisory roles. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this sector, strategically pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in high-demand facilities, such as trauma centers or advanced surgical centers, can enhance both career prospects and compensation in Cambridge's evolving job market.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Cambridge?
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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 $57,011 for sterile processing techniciansin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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