Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lexington, MA: $47,584 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lexington, MA earns a median $47,584/year (≈ $22.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $43,856 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the sterile processing technician salary in Lexington is projected to reach a median of $47,584 annually. This reflects a competitive pay landscape, particularly when evening and overnight shifts contribute to enhanced compensation due to the critical nature of surgical tray turnover. Local estimates indicate a salary range that extends from $38,352 at the 10th percentile to $67,704 at the 90th percentile, shedding light on the diverse earning potential within this field. These figures are informed by state-level data from 2025, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Given the projected growth rate of 4.22% for the profession, those considering a career in sterile processing may find Lexington to be an appealing market as it offers robust opportunities in healthcare settings.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,352 | $18.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,769 | $19.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,584 | $22.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,762 | $27.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,704 | $32.55 |
Median Salary Position
0.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,352 (2026 est.). At $47,584, the local median is 0.29% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lexington median: $47,584/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,722 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.29% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lexington, MA earn a median of $47,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.29% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,722.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,584 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,856 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,836
2025 BLS Actual
$45,657
2026 Current Est.
$47,584
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,836 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,138 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,584 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,592 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,836 (2019) to $45,657 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,592 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,756 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $38,352 – $40,769 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,769 – $47,584 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,584 – $57,762 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,762 – $67,704 |
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 Lexington
Currently, there are around six sterile processing technicians employed in Lexington, MA, which suggests a focused job market with potential for competitive positioning. The cost-of-living index of 108.5, above the national average, impacts disposable income and overall purchasing power in the region. Employers in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices are often the highest-paying in the area, particularly those designating trauma center status. Factors contributing to compensation variation include shift differentials for off-hours procedures, the added qualifications of credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as supervisory roles that can command higher wages. For those looking to maximize pay, pursuing additional certifications and focusing on roles in high-demand environments will be invaluable strategies within Lexington’s evolving sterile processing landscape.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Lexington, MA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Lexington?
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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 $45,657 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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