Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lowell, MA: $49,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lowell, MA earns a median $49,847/year (≈ $23.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,942 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in 2026 is $49,847, reflecting a competitive edge above the national figure of $47,724. Local salaries range from $38,877 at the lower tenth percentile to as high as $75,061 at the ninetieth percentile, indicating a strong earning potential based on experience and credentials. These figures stem from estimates derived from state-level BLS data and adjustments for regional cost of living, which has a cost of living index of 108.5—indicating that the area is slightly more expensive than the national average. This dynamic in compensation is particularly relevant as the industry has shifted toward requiring credentials for hiring since 2021, ensuring that qualified personnel are at the forefront of sterile processing roles in Lowell.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,877 | $18.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,004 | $20.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,847 | $23.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,489 | $30.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,061 | $36.09 |
Median Salary Position
4.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,184 (2026 est.). At $49,847, the local median is 4.45% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lowell median: $49,847/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,698 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +4.45% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lowell, MA earn a median of $49,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.45% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,698.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,847 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,942 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,541
2025 BLS Actual
$47,829
2026 Current Est.
$49,847
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,541 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,323 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,592 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,752 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,951 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $37,541 (2019) to $47,829 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,951 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,410 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $38,877 – $42,004 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,004 – $49,847 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,847 – $62,489 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,489 – $75,061 |
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 Lowell
With 29 sterile processing technicians currently employed in Lowell, the market demonstrates a solid demand for professionals in this field. However, the cost of living—indexed at 108.5—means that take-home purchasing power could be impacted, making it essential for candidates to seek pay that aligns with industry demands. Employers like hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers generally offer the highest compensation, influenced by factors such as shift differentials, credential concentrations like CRCST and CIS, and workplace setting distinctions. To maximize their potential earnings, technicians should consider enhancing their skills, obtaining multiple credentials, and being open to varying work hours, as those who can adapt to evening or overnight shifts often enjoy salary premiums. This strategic approach is vital for those wanting to ascend in the sterile processing field in Lowell, MA.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 $47,829 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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