Ann Arbor vs Traverse City: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,056▲ | $39,860 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.06▲ | $19.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,260▲ | $36,419 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,705▲ | $38,750 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,056▲ | $45,413 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,056 | $52,607▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Traverse City.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Traverse City is $10,196 (25.58%). 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,Traverse City spans $16,188. Traverse City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($49,619 effective) pays 16.23% more than Traverse City ($42,689 effective).
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 Traverse City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,607)
- ✓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 -1.2% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$43,760 (2019) → $48,029 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$38,710 (2024) → $38,246 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Ann Arbor or Traverse City?
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What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Ann Arbor vs Traverse City?
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