Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Fall River, MA: $49,073 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Fall River, MA earns a median $49,073/year (≈ $23.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Fall River's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fall River, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $49,073, slightly above the national median of $47,724. Salaries in this field show a significant range, from $39,327 at the 10th percentile to $72,871 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse compensation levels based on experience and credentials. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. Since 2021, there has been a clear shift towards credential-required hiring practices, making it increasingly essential for professionals in this sector to attain relevant certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER. This emphasis on credentials speaks to the evolving standards in sterile processing and highlights the importance of professional training in securing competitive pay in Fall River's job market.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,327 | $18.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,017 | $20.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,073 | $23.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,129 | $29.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,871 | $35.04 |
Median Salary Position
2.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
In Fall River, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,544 (2026 est.). At $49,073, the local median is 2.83% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fall River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fall River Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Fall River median: $49,073/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fall River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,719 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +2.83% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Fall River, MA earn a median of $49,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.83% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,719.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fall River has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fall River, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,073 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,229 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,958
2025 BLS Actual
$47,086
2026 Current Est.
$49,073
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,301 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,728 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,073 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,144 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fall River metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,958 (2019) to $47,086 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,144 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,186 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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) | $39,327 – $42,017 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,017 – $49,073 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,073 – $61,129 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,129 – $72,871 |
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 Fall River
With 21 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the area, Fall River's market holds steady, driven by the demand in local healthcare institutions. The cost of living index, at 108.5, reflects an above-average expense level, which can impact the purchasing power of earnings in the region. Notably, salary levels can vary significantly among employers, with hospitals often offering higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices. The wide pay range is influenced by factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight work, the necessity for advanced certifications, and the type of facility, particularly in trauma centers. For those looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing additional credentials can be beneficial, as can seeking roles in hospital settings where higher wages and opportunities for advancement may exist.
More salary data for Fall River, 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 $47,086 for sterile processing techniciansin the Fall River 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 Fall River 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