Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Baltimore vs Greenbelt: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Baltimore, MD and Greenbelt, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$48,535
$23.33/hr
Greenbelt, MD
$47,412
$22.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDGreenbelt, MD
Median Salary$48,535$47,412
Hourly Rate$23.33$22.79
Entry Level (P10)$33,307$37,251
25th Percentile$39,851$39,528
75th Percentile$57,069$57,782
Top Earner (P90)$61,151$67,192
Total Employed6804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($48,535) and Greenbelt ($47,412) sterile processing technician salaries.BaltimoreGreenbeltMedian Salary$48,535$47,412Entry Level (P10)$33,307$37,251Top Earner (P90)$61,151$67,192US Median $47,724

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenbelt.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Greenbelt is $1,123 (2.37%). Baltimore's median is +1.70% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $27,844,Greenbelt spans $29,941. Greenbelt has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$33,307
P25$39,851
Median$48,535
P75$57,069
P90 (Top)$61,151
Greenbelt
P10 (Entry)$37,251
P25$39,528
Median$47,412
P75$57,782
P90 (Top)$67,192

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($46,451 effective) pays 7.08% more than Greenbelt ($43,378 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $48,535
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $46,451
Greenbelt
Nominal: $47,412
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $43,378

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,535/year)
  • Larger job market (680 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,451)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Greenbelt if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($67,192)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Baltimore grew 13.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.1% growth in Greenbelt over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+13.6%

$41,010 (2019) → $46,570 (2025)

Greenbelt, MD

+-12.1%

$51,743 (2024) → $45,492 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Baltimore or Greenbelt?

Baltimore has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $48,535/year, compared to Greenbelt at $47,412/year — a difference of $1,123 (2.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Greenbelt?

Baltimore sterile processing technicians earn $23.33/hr while Greenbelt hygienists earn $22.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Greenbelt as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Greenbelt. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $46,451, Greenbelt = $43,378), job availability (680 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Baltimore vs Greenbelt?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $33,307 in Baltimore and $37,251 in Greenbelt. The Greenbelt area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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