Bellevue vs Kearney: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bellevue, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,593▲ | $40,369 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.52▲ | $19.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,170 | $32,931▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,829 | $34,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,496▲ | $49,286 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,316▲ | $57,903 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Kearney is $224 (0.55%). Bellevue's median is -14.94% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $29,146,Kearney spans $24,972. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($44,364 effective) pays 0.55% more than Kearney ($44,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,593/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,316)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,364)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bellevue grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$37,213 (2024) → $38,949 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$37,007 (2024) → $38,734 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bellevue or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Kearney as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bellevue vs Kearney?
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