Ashland vs Salem: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Ashland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,388 | $47,454▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.82 | $22.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,549 | $37,659▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,688 | $42,782▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,734 | $62,092▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,419▲ | $63,313 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Salem is $2,066 (4.55%). Salem's median is -0.57% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $28,870,Salem spans $25,654. Ashland 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, Salem ($45,783 effective) pays 3.49% more than Ashland ($44,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,419)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,454/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,783)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Ashland grew -17.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Ashland, OR
$52,515 (2024) → $43,550 (2025)
Salem, OR
$31,540 (2019) → $45,533 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Ashland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Salem as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Ashland vs Salem?
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