Austin vs Houston: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,295▲ | $47,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.70▲ | $22.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,220▲ | $37,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,060▲ | $38,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,782▲ | $59,160 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,969▲ | $72,737 |
| Total Employed | 370 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $2,001 (4.23%). Austin's median is +3.29% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $37,749,Houston spans $35,488. Austin 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, Austin ($50,267 effective) pays 4.83% 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 Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,295/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,969)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,267)
- ✓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 Austin grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$34,110 (2019) → $47,299 (2025)
Houston, TX
$35,730 (2019) → $45,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Austin vs Houston?
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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