Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Ann Arbor vs Port Huron: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Port Huron, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$50,056
$24.06/hr
Port Huron, MI
$45,193
$21.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MIPort Huron, MI
Median Salary$50,056$45,193
Hourly Rate$24.06$21.73
Entry Level (P10)$40,260$35,250
25th Percentile$48,705$37,712
75th Percentile$50,056$54,924
Top Earner (P90)$50,056$62,584
Total Employed2306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($50,056) and Port Huron ($45,193) sterile processing technician salaries.Ann ArborPort HuronMedian Salary$50,056$45,193Entry Level (P10)$40,260$35,250Top Earner (P90)$50,056$62,584US Median $47,724

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Huron.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Port Huron is $4,863 (10.76%). Ann Arbor's median is +4.89% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $9,796,Port Huron spans $27,334. Port Huron has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$40,260
P25$48,705
Median$50,056
P75$50,056
P90 (Top)$50,056
Port Huron
P10 (Entry)$35,250
P25$37,712
Median$45,193
P75$54,924
P90 (Top)$62,584

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($49,619 effective) pays 2.33% more than Port Huron ($48,490 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $50,056
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $49,619
Port Huron
Nominal: $45,193
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $48,490

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,056/year)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,619)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Port Huron if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($62,584)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Ann Arbor grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Port Huron over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+9.8%

$43,760 (2019) → $48,029 (2025)

Port Huron, MI

+7.0%

$40,514 (2024) → $43,363 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Ann Arbor or Port Huron?

Ann Arbor has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $50,056/year, compared to Port Huron at $45,193/year — a difference of $4,863 (10.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Port Huron?

Ann Arbor sterile processing technicians earn $24.06/hr while Port Huron hygienists earn $21.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Port Huron as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Port Huron. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $49,619, Port Huron = $48,490), job availability (230 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Ann Arbor vs Port Huron?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $40,260 in Ann Arbor and $35,250 in Port Huron. The Ann Arbor area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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