Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Beloit vs Milwaukee: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Beloit, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Beloit, WI
$43,130
$20.74/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$47,824
$22.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBeloit, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$43,130$47,824
Hourly Rate$20.74$22.99
Entry Level (P10)$32,441$39,100
25th Percentile$37,765$46,914
75th Percentile$51,557$50,186
Top Earner (P90)$59,895$58,030
Total Employed5500
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Beloit ($43,130) and Milwaukee ($47,824) sterile processing technician salaries.BeloitMilwaukeeMedian Salary$43,130$47,824Entry Level (P10)$32,441$39,100Top Earner (P90)$59,895$58,030US Median $47,724

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beloit.

The salary gap between Beloit and Milwaukee is $4,694 (10.88%). Milwaukee's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beloit spans $27,454,Milwaukee spans $18,930. Beloit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Beloit
P10 (Entry)$32,441
P25$37,765
Median$43,130
P75$51,557
P90 (Top)$59,895
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$39,100
P25$46,914
Median$47,824
P75$50,186
P90 (Top)$58,030

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($49,335 effective) pays 6.84% more than Beloit ($46,178 effective).

Beloit
Nominal: $43,130
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $46,178
Milwaukee
Nominal: $47,824
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $49,335

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Beloit if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($59,895)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,824/year)
  • Larger job market (500 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,335)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Beloit grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Beloit, WI

+-0.9%

$41,770 (2024) → $41,384 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+29.1%

$35,550 (2019) → $45,888 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Beloit or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $47,824/year, compared to Beloit at $43,130/year — a difference of $4,694 (10.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Beloit and Milwaukee?

Beloit sterile processing technicians earn $20.74/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $22.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Beloit to Milwaukee as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Beloit and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Beloit = $46,178, Milwaukee = $49,335), job availability (5 vs 500 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Beloit vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $32,441 in Beloit and $39,100 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee 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