Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Bellevue vs Omaha: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Bellevue, NE
$40,593
$19.52/hr
Omaha, NE
$39,450
$18.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$40,593$39,450
Hourly Rate$19.52$18.97
Entry Level (P10)$31,170$37,759
25th Percentile$33,829$38,300
75th Percentile$50,496$48,855
Top Earner (P90)$60,316$56,098
Total Employed15320
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($40,593) and Omaha ($39,450) sterile processing technician salaries.BellevueOmahaMedian Salary$40,593$39,450Entry Level (P10)$31,170$37,759Top Earner (P90)$60,316$56,098US Median $47,724

Verdict

Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Omaha.

The salary gap between Bellevue and Omaha is $1,143 (2.90%). 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,Omaha spans $18,339. 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
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$37,759
P25$38,300
Median$39,450
P75$48,855
P90 (Top)$56,098

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($44,364 effective) pays 3.36% more than Omaha ($42,922 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $40,593
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $44,364
Omaha
Nominal: $39,450
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $42,922

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,364)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • 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 12.2% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+4.7%

$37,213 (2024) → $38,949 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+12.2%

$33,750 (2019) → $37,853 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bellevue or Omaha?

Bellevue has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $40,593/year, compared to Omaha at $39,450/year — a difference of $1,143 (2.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Omaha?

Bellevue sterile processing technicians earn $19.52/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $18.97/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $44,364, Omaha = $42,922), job availability (15 vs 320 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $31,170 in Bellevue and $37,759 in Omaha. The Omaha 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