Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Methuen, MA: $49,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Methuen, MA earns a median $49,008/year (≈ $23.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Methuen's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,169 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $49,008, slightly higher than the national median of $47,724. This salary reflects the competitive nature of local employment, with a range from $39,175 at the 10th percentile to $72,641 at the 90th percentile. The variation in pay can largely be attributed to factors such as evening and overnight shifts that are essential for surgical tray turnover, directly influencing compensation rates in this critical role. As healthcare facilities increasingly recognize the need for certified professionals, those with specialized credentials, including CRCST, CIS, and CER, often see enhanced opportunities for higher earnings. The job market for sterile processing technicians in Methuen shows promise, especially as the demand for qualified staff continues to grow in tandem with increased surgical procedures.
About the Methuen Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,175 | $18.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,887 | $20.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,008 | $23.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,967 | $29.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,641 | $34.92 |
Median Salary Position
2.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Methuen
In Methuen, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,466 (2026 est.). At $49,008, the local median is 2.69% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Methuen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Methuen Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Methuen median: $49,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Methuen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,704 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +2.69% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Methuen, MA earn a median of $49,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,704.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Methuen has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Methuen, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,008 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,169 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,909
2025 BLS Actual
$47,024
2026 Current Est.
$49,008
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,892 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,763 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,077 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Methuen metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,909 (2019) to $47,024 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,077 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,168 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Methuen 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) | $39,175 – $41,887 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,887 – $49,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,008 – $60,967 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,967 – $72,641 |
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 Methuen
With only 12 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the Methuen area, job prospects remain focused yet competitive, underscoring the importance of having multiple certifications to enhance employability. The local cost-of-living index of 108.5 indicates that while salaries may be slightly above the national average, purchasing power can still be a concern for workers. Major employers, such as local hospitals and specialty surgical centers, typically offer higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and dental practices, driven by the need for overnight staff and those in trauma centers. The income disparity within this field can be influenced by shift differentials, particularly for those handling evening or weekend shifts, as well as by roles that require leadership, such as supervisory positions. Therefore, technicians aiming to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Methuen, MA, should consider acquiring additional certifications and seeking settings that allow for more specialized functions or supervisory advancements.
More salary data for Methuen, 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 $47,024 for sterile processing techniciansin the Methuen 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 Methuen 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