Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lawrence, MA: $48,479 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lawrence, MA earns a median $48,479/year (≈ $23.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $44,681 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

$48,479
Median Annual Salary
$23.30/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$37,964
Entry Level (P10)
$70,942
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lawrence, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lawrence, MA sterile processing technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the sterile processing technician salary in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is projected to be $48,479, surpassing the national median of $47,724 by 1.58%. This figure falls within a salary range of $37,964 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $70,942 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive job market for this essential healthcare role. As endoscope reprocessing (CER) continues to grow in importance, professionals with specialized credentials can leverage higher pay opportunities. These local estimates draw from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, illustrating a market that encourages credential stacking to enhance earning potential, particularly as regulations around certification are tightening.

About the Lawrence Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$37,964$18.25
Lower Range (P25)$40,806$19.61
Median (P50)(typical)$48,479$23.30
Upper Range (P75)$60,710$29.19
Top Earners (P90)$70,942$34.11

Median Salary Position

$37,964$70,942
City Median: $48,479
National: $47,724
P10–P90 Range

1.58% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for sterile processing technicians in Lawrence. The median salary is $48,479, compared to the national median of $47,724.$34.2K$44.2K$54.3K$64.4K$74.5K$38.0K10th Pctl$40.8K25th Pctl$48.5KMedian$60.7K75th Pctl$70.9K90th PctlUS Median$47.7K

In Lawrence, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,978 (2026 est.). At $48,479, the local median is 1.58% above the national median of $47,724.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of sterile processing technician pay in the Lawrence metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$932
per week
$4,039
per month
$48,471
per year

At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Lawrence Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares

Lawrence median: $48,479/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryLawrence Pays
Massachusetts Average$49,722-2.50% less
National Average$47,724+1.58% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Lawrence ($48,479) with Massachusetts average ($49,722) and the US national median ($47,724).Lawrence$48,479Massachusetts Avg$49,722-2.50%US National$47,724+1.58%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $48,479 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,722.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$48,479
Nominal Salary
108.5
CoL Index
$44,681
Adjusted Salary

Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $48,479. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the purchasing-power equivalent is $44,681, a loss of $3,798.$38.0K$42.4K$46.9K$51.3K$55.8K$48,479NominalSalary$44,681CoL Adjusted(CoL: 108.5) -7.83%US Median $47.7K

Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,479 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,681 — a 7.83% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$36,511

2025 BLS Actual

$46,516

2026 Current Est.

$48,479

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lawrence (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Lawrence. Baseline $36,511 in 2025, projected to $50,525 by 2027.$32.4K$39.6K$46.8K$54.0K$61.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.5K$37.8K$37.3K$40.5K$44.2K$57.1K$46.5K$48.5K$50.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$36,511Actual
2020$37,837Actual
2021$37,271Actual
2022$40,450Actual
2023$44,156Actual
2024$57,139Actual
2025$46,516Actual
2026(current)$48,479Estimated
2027$50,525Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,511 (2019) to $46,516 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,525 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,014 (38.38%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$37,964$40,806
3-5 years (Mid Career)$40,806$48,479
5+ years (Experienced)$48,479$60,710
10+ years (Top Earner)$60,710$70,942

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 Lawrence

The job market for sterile processing technicians in Lawrence currently employs around 16 individuals, which may seem modest but indicates a steady demand within local healthcare facilities. The cost-of-living index sits at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power will ultimately depend on efficiency in managing expenses. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments often provide the highest remuneration compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices. Factors influencing the salary spread include shift differentials for evening and overnight work, the caliber of credential stacking—such as obtaining CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications—and the differences in pay scales between hospital and surgical center settings. To maximize earnings, technicians in Lawrence should focus on acquiring additional credentials and consider roles in facilities offering supervisory positions or specializing in trauma center operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do sterile processing technicians make in Lawrence, MA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median sterile processing technician salary in Lawrence is $48,479/year ($23.30/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Salaries range from $37,964 at entry level (10th percentile) to $70,942 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Lawrence at 1.6% above the national median. Full-time sterile processing technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Lawrence, MA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?

Lawrence sterile processing technician salaries are 1.6% above the national average and 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average. The metro area employs approximately 16 sterile processing technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Lawrence?

The median sterile processing technician salary in Lawrence is $48,479, and the 90th percentile earns $70,942. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Lawrence?

After adjusting for Lawrence's cost-of-living index of 108.5 (where 100 equals the national average), the $48,479 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $44,681 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Lawrence reduce the effective value of your salary by 7.8% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Lawrence?

Sterile Processing Technicians in Lawrence earn a median hourly rate of $23.30, which translates to approximately $48,479/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $18.25 for entry-level positions to $34.11 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 $46,516 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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