Sterile Processing Technician Salary in New Bedford, MA: $50,081 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in New Bedford, MA earns a median $50,081/year (≈ $24.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $46,158 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is estimated at $50,081, which is approximately 4.94% higher than the national median of $47,724. The local salary range spans from $39,423 at the lower end (P10) to $72,773 at the top (P90). These figures reflect localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations. The earnings of sterile processing technicians are notably driven by advanced certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and especially the emerging specialty in endoscope reprocessing (CER). As the demand for skilled technicians continues to rise, particularly due to increased focus on infection control, candidates with a combination of these credentials can position themselves advantageously in New Bedford's healthcare job market.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,423 | $18.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,477 | $20.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,081 | $24.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,058 | $29.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,773 | $34.99 |
Median Salary Position
4.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,350 (2026 est.). At $50,081, the local median is 4.94% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $50,081/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,733 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +4.94% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $50,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,081 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,158 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$37,717
2025 BLS Actual
$48,053
2026 Current Est.
$50,081
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,717 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,053 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,081 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $37,717 (2019) to $48,053 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,477 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $39,423 – $42,477 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,477 – $50,081 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,081 – $61,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,058 – $72,773 |
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 New Bedford
With 24 sterile processing technicians currently employed in New Bedford, the local job market for this profession demonstrates both stability and growth potential, projected to expand at a rate of 4.22% annually. However, the cost of living index sits at 108.5, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power. The top employers in the area generally include hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, with differentials in salary depending on the setting and additional responsibilities. Factors such as shift differentials for evening and night work, the presence of specialty credentials, and hierarchical roles (like supervisory positions) contribute to the compensation variance. To maximize earning potential, technicians in New Bedford should consider pursuing advanced certifications, targeting trauma centers, and negotiating for evening shifts where pay is often higher.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in New Bedford, MA in 2026?
Is New Bedford, MA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in New Bedford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in New Bedford?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in New Bedford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $48,053 for sterile processing techniciansin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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