Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $47,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $47,252/year (≈ $22.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $43,550 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $47,252, which is slightly below the national average of $47,724. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $37,549 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $68,275 at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances, reflecting the ongoing shift in this job market since 2021 toward credential-required hiring. In Chelmsford, the evolving landscape is underscored by strong demand for technicians who possess relevant certifications, like CRCST, CIS, and CER, driving compensation to remain competitive and underscoring the importance of specialized training in this sector.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,549 | $18.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,089 | $19.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,252 | $22.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,994 | $27.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,275 | $32.83 |
Median Salary Position
0.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,726 (2026 est.). At $47,252, the local median is 0.99% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $47,252/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,687 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.99% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $47,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.99% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,252 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,550 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,587
2025 BLS Actual
$45,339
2026 Current Est.
$47,252
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,039 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,246 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,587 (2019) to $45,339 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,246 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,659 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $37,549 – $40,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,089 – $47,252 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,252 – $57,994 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,994 – $68,275 |
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 Chelmsford
Chelmsford's job market for sterile processing technicians employs about 8 individuals, which is somewhat limited but offers a clearer view of local opportunities. The cost of living index in this area is 108.5, indicating a slightly elevated cost compared to the national average. This reality influences take-home pay and purchasing power for technicians. Employers that typically offer the highest salaries include hospital sterile processing departments, third-party sterile processing service providers, and specialty surgical centers. Factors contributing to pay disparities include shift differentials, which are particularly significant for evening or overnight roles, as well as additional credential stacking, supervisory positions, and the type of facility. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying settings can markedly enhance earning potential in the Chelmsford MA market.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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
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 $45,339 for sterile processing techniciansin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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