Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Bellevue vs North Platte: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bellevue, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bellevue, NE
$40,593
$19.52/hr
North Platte, NE
$38,981
$18.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NENorth Platte, NE
Median Salary$40,593$38,981
Hourly Rate$19.52$18.74
Entry Level (P10)$31,170$32,581
25th Percentile$33,829$34,043
75th Percentile$50,496$46,692
Top Earner (P90)$60,316$53,926
Total Employed154
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($40,593) and North Platte ($38,981) sterile processing technician salaries.BellevueNorth PlatteMedian Salary$40,593$38,981Entry Level (P10)$31,170$32,581Top Earner (P90)$60,316$53,926US Median $47,724

Verdict

Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Platte.

The salary gap between Bellevue and North Platte is $1,612 (4.14%). 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,North Platte spans $21,345. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bellevue
P10 (Entry)$31,170
P25$33,829
Median$40,593
P75$50,496
P90 (Top)$60,316
North Platte
P10 (Entry)$32,581
P25$34,043
Median$38,981
P75$46,692
P90 (Top)$53,926

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($44,364 effective) pays 4.14% more than North Platte ($42,602 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $40,593
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $44,364
North Platte
Nominal: $38,981
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $42,602

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 North Platte 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 North Platte over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+4.7%

$37,213 (2024) → $38,949 (2025)

North Platte, NE

+4.7%

$35,736 (2024) → $37,403 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bellevue or North Platte?

Bellevue has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $40,593/year, compared to North Platte at $38,981/year — a difference of $1,612 (4.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and North Platte?

Bellevue sterile processing technicians earn $19.52/hr while North Platte hygienists earn $18.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bellevue to North Platte as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and North Platte. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $44,364, North Platte = $42,602), job availability (15 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bellevue vs North Platte?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $31,170 in Bellevue and $32,581 in North Platte. The North Platte 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