Arlington vs San Antonio: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Arlington, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,310▲ | $45,113 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.71▲ | $21.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,009 | $35,758▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,147▲ | $36,629 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,849▲ | $48,164 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,218▲ | $63,122 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Arlington and San Antonio is $4,197 (9.30%). 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,San Antonio spans $27,364. 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 7.84% more than San Antonio ($47,630 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 San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 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 28.8% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$43,456 (2024) → $47,313 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$33,600 (2019) → $43,286 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Arlington or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Arlington to San Antonio as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Arlington vs San Antonio?
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