Baltimore vs Rockville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Baltimore, MD and Rockville, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Rockville, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,535 | $48,820▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.33 | $23.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,307 | $38,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,851 | $40,006▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,069 | $60,126▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,151 | $71,283▲ |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Rockville, MD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Rockville is $285 (0.59%). Rockville's median is +2.30% 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,Rockville spans $33,077. Rockville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($46,451 effective) pays 4.00% more than Rockville ($44,666 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,451)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Rockville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,820/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,283)
- ✓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 Rockville over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$41,010 (2019) → $46,570 (2025)
Rockville, MD
$53,279 (2024) → $46,843 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Rockville, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Baltimore or Rockville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Rockville?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Rockville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Baltimore vs Rockville?
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