Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Medford, MA: $49,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Medford, MA earns a median $49,120/year (≈ $23.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Medford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,272 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for a sterile processing technician in Medford, Massachusetts, is projected to reach a median of $49,120. This figure indicates a competitive position when compared to the national median salary of $47,724, reflecting a local market that has effectively adapted to new hiring criteria post-2021, where credential requirements have become the norm. Technicians in the area can expect to earn between $39,440 at the lower end (P10) and as much as $73,034 at the upper end (P90) of the pay scale. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price disparities, highlight Medford's evolving landscape for sterile processing careers as demand for certified professionals continues to grow.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,440 | $18.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,114 | $20.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,120 | $23.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,372 | $28.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,034 | $35.11 |
Median Salary Position
2.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, MA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,594 (2026 est.). At $49,120, the local median is 2.93% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Medford Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Medford median: $49,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,717 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +2.93% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Medford, MA earn a median of $49,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.93% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,120 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,272 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,993
2025 BLS Actual
$47,131
2026 Current Est.
$49,120
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,193 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,993 (2019) to $47,131 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,193 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,200 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $39,440 – $42,114 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,114 – $49,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,120 – $59,372 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,372 – $73,034 |
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 Medford
Currently, there are 11 sterile processing technicians employed in Medford, illustrating a concentrated but supportive job market for this role. The local cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries for sterile processing technicians are higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be somewhat constrained by living expenses. Employers such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities typically offer higher wages, particularly for those with advanced credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER. The variance in pay can be attributed to multiple factors, including shift differentials and roles within trauma centers versus standard facilities. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential in the Medford market, pursuing additional certifications and engaging in roles with specialized functions within sterile processing can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Medford, 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 $47,131 for sterile processing techniciansin the Medford 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 Medford 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