Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Chelsea, MA: $49,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Chelsea, MA earns a median $49,254/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The anticipated median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Chelsea, Massachusetts, is projected to be $49,254 in 2026, reflecting an attractive pay scale when compared to the national average of $47,724. Salary ranges locally are significant, with figures estimated from $38,607 at the 10th percentile to $68,491 at the 90th percentile, indicating a promising pathway for career progression. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the growing demand for professionals in this field. The prominence of endoscope reprocessing (CER) adds a premium to the role, contributing to an increasing interest in specialized training and credentialing among prospective technicians in Chelsea’s job market.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,607 | $18.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,278 | $19.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,254 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,933 | $28.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,491 | $32.93 |
Median Salary Position
3.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,884 (2026 est.). At $49,254, the local median is 3.21% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $49,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,702 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +3.21% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $49,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,702.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,254 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,395 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,095
2025 BLS Actual
$47,260
2026 Current Est.
$49,254
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,095 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,097 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,862 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $37,095 (2019) to $47,260 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,238 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $38,607 – $41,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,278 – $49,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,254 – $58,933 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,933 – $68,491 |
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 Chelsea
With six sterile processing technicians currently employed in Chelsea, the market appears limited but stable for professionals in this field. The cost of living index in Chelsea is 108.5, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This higher cost of living affects take-home pay and underscores the importance of securing the highest possible salary through strategic job choices. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive pay, benefiting from hospital advantages like shift differentials for evening and overnight work, along with opportunities for advancement to supervisor roles. The disparities in compensation are influenced by factors such as credential stacking (like obtaining the CRCST, CIS, and CER credentials) and the increasing need for specialized skills. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Chelsea, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in trauma centers or multi-doctor specialty practices can yield greater financial rewards in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Chelsea?
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Related Pages
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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 $47,260 for sterile processing techniciansin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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