Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $48,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Dartmouth, MA earns a median $48,421/year (≈ $23.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Dartmouth's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $44,628 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is projected to be $48,421, slightly above the national average of $47,724. The salary range varies widely, from $36,624 at the 10th percentile to $70,406 at the 90th percentile, reflecting factors such as experience, education, and certifications. Given the growing demand for specialized skills, particularly in endoscope reprocessing (CER), candidates with this subspecialty can command higher pay. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicating a competitive environment for professionals in this field. With a steady growth rate of 4.22% anticipated over the next five years, the career outlook in this area appears promising.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,624 | $17.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,561 | $19.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,421 | $23.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,845 | $28.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,406 | $33.85 |
Median Salary Position
1.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,782 (2026 est.). At $48,421, the local median is 1.46% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dartmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dartmouth Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Dartmouth median: $48,421/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dartmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,713 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +1.46% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $48,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.46% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,713.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dartmouth has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dartmouth, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,421 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,628 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,467
2025 BLS Actual
$46,460
2026 Current Est.
$48,421
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,467 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,103 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,464 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dartmouth metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,467 (2019) to $46,460 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,997 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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) | $36,624 – $39,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,561 – $48,421 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,421 – $59,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,845 – $70,406 |
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 Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, just five sterile processing technicians are currently employed, which suggests a niche but potentially lucrative job market. The local cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries may be slightly higher than the national median, the increased cost of living can affect real purchasing power. Among Dartmouth MA facilities, hospital sterile processing departments tend to offer the highest salaries, followed closely by ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers. Variability in pay stems from factors like shift differentials, the complexity of procedures handled, and the level of specialization required, such as possessing multiple credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing additional certifications and aiming for roles in higher-demand areas, such as trauma centers or supervisory positions, can yield significant pay increases.
More salary data for Dartmouth, 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 $46,460 for sterile processing techniciansin the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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