Bear vs Wilmington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bear, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,048 | $51,256▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.22 | $24.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,912 | $38,662▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,692 | $42,037▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,460 | $62,039▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,504 | $73,029▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Wilmington is $9,208 (21.90%). Wilmington's median is +7.40% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $22,592,Wilmington spans $34,367. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($50,399 effective) pays 21.90% more than Bear ($41,345 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,256/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,029)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,399)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bear grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Bear, DE
$42,883 (2024) → $40,345 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$45,057 (2024) → $49,181 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bear or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Bear to Wilmington as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bear vs Wilmington?
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