Bend vs The Dalles: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bend, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,905▲ | $44,380 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.03▲ | $21.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,829 | $36,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,905▲ | $38,578 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,989▲ | $53,963 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,230 | $62,535▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Bend and The Dalles is $3,525 (7.94%). 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,The Dalles spans $25,544. The Dalles 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 6.89% more than The Dalles ($43,255 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 The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,535)
- ✓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 The Dalles over the same period.
Bend, OR
$40,750 (2020) → $45,965 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$51,349 (2024) → $42,583 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bend or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Bend to The Dalles as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bend vs The Dalles?
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