Arlington vs Houston: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,310▲ | $47,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.71▲ | $22.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,009 | $37,249▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,147▲ | $38,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,849▲ | $59,160 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,218▲ | $72,737 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $2,016 (4.26%). Arlington's median is +3.32% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $40,209,Houston spans $35,488. Arlington 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, Arlington ($51,365 effective) pays 7.12% more than Houston ($47,951 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,310/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,218)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,365)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Arlington grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$43,456 (2024) → $47,313 (2025)
Houston, TX
$35,730 (2019) → $45,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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