Barberton vs Cincinnati: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Barberton, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barberton, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,901 | $48,155▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.63 | $23.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,194 | $38,189▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,339 | $40,031▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,672▲ | $49,945 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,376 | $60,792▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barberton.
The salary gap between Barberton and Cincinnati is $5,254 (12.25%). Cincinnati's median is +0.90% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barberton spans $26,182,Cincinnati spans $22,603. Barberton 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, Cincinnati ($50,493 effective) pays 6.75% more than Barberton ($47,300 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barberton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,792)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,493)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Barberton grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Barberton, OH
$36,169 (2024) → $41,164 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$37,660 (2019) → $46,205 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Barberton, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Barberton or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Barberton and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Barberton to Cincinnati as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Barberton vs Cincinnati?
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