Bend vs Forest Grove: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bend, OR and Forest Grove, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Forest Grove, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,905▲ | $46,751 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.03▲ | $22.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,829▲ | $35,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,905▲ | $38,329 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,989 | $56,084▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,230 | $65,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Bend and Forest Grove is $1,154 (2.47%). Bend's median is +0.38% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $22,401,Forest Grove spans $29,884. Forest Grove 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, Bend ($46,237 effective) pays 1.47% more than Forest Grove ($45,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,905/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,237)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,424)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bend grew 12.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -17.1% growth in Forest Grove over the same period.
Bend, OR
$40,750 (2020) → $45,965 (2025)
Forest Grove, OR
$54,092 (2024) → $44,858 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bend or Forest Grove?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Forest Grove?
Should I relocate from Bend to Forest Grove as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bend vs Forest Grove?
Related Comparisons
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