Dartmouth vs Springfield: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Dartmouth, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dartmouth, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,421▲ | $46,474 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.28▲ | $22.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,624 | $40,290▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,561 | $40,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,845▲ | $51,466 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,406▲ | $64,203 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Dartmouth, MA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Dartmouth and Springfield is $1,947 (4.19%). Dartmouth's median is +1.46% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dartmouth spans $33,782,Springfield spans $23,913. Dartmouth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($48,380 effective) pays 8.41% more than Dartmouth ($44,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dartmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,421/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,406)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,380)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Dartmouth grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Dartmouth, MA
$57,071 (2024) → $46,460 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$41,680 (2019) → $44,592 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dartmouth, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Dartmouth or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dartmouth and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Dartmouth to Springfield as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Dartmouth vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov