Boise vs Caldwell: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Boise, ID and Caldwell, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise, ID | Caldwell, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,258▲ | $44,005 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.76▲ | $21.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,729 | $31,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,655 | $37,817▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,496▲ | $53,245 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,390▲ | $62,895 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caldwell.
The salary gap between Boise and Caldwell is $1,253 (2.85%). Boise's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $36,661,Caldwell spans $30,919. Boise has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise ($47,490 effective) pays 2.85% more than Caldwell ($46,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,258/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,390)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,490)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Caldwell if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Boise grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Caldwell over the same period.
Boise, ID
$41,489 (2024) → $43,425 (2025)
Caldwell, ID
$40,341 (2024) → $42,223 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caldwell, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Boise or Caldwell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Caldwell?
Should I relocate from Boise to Caldwell as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Boise vs Caldwell?
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