Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Baltimore vs Severn: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$48,535
$23.33/hr
Severn, MD
$48,978
$23.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSevern, MD
Median Salary$48,535$48,978
Hourly Rate$23.33$23.54
Entry Level (P10)$33,307$38,530
25th Percentile$39,851$41,395
75th Percentile$57,069$60,471
Top Earner (P90)$61,151$71,828
Total Employed68012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($48,535) and Severn ($48,978) sterile processing technician salaries.BaltimoreSevernMedian Salary$48,535$48,978Entry Level (P10)$33,307$38,530Top Earner (P90)$61,151$71,828US Median $47,724

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Severn is $443 (0.91%). Severn's median is +2.63% 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,Severn spans $33,298. Severn 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
Severn
P10 (Entry)$38,530
P25$41,395
Median$48,978
P75$60,471
P90 (Top)$71,828

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($46,451 effective) pays 3.66% more than Severn ($44,811 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $48,535
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $46,451
Severn
Nominal: $48,978
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $44,811

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 Severn if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,978/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($71,828)
  • 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 Severn over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+13.6%

$41,010 (2019) → $46,570 (2025)

Severn, MD

+-12.1%

$53,452 (2024) → $46,995 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Severn has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $48,978/year, compared to Baltimore at $48,535/year — a difference of $443 (0.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Severn?

Baltimore sterile processing technicians earn $23.33/hr while Severn hygienists earn $23.54/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Severn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $46,451, Severn = $44,811), job availability (680 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $33,307 in Baltimore and $38,530 in Severn. The Severn 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