Boise vs Idaho Falls: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Boise, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,258 | $51,757▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.76 | $24.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,729 | $36,149▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,655 | $45,123▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,496 | $59,300▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,390 | $98,831▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise.
The salary gap between Boise and Idaho Falls is $6,499 (14.36%). Idaho Falls's median is +8.45% 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,Idaho Falls spans $62,682. Idaho Falls 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, Idaho Falls ($54,820 effective) pays 15.44% more than Boise ($47,490 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,831)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,820)
- ✓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 69.1% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Boise, ID
$41,489 (2024) → $43,425 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$29,370 (2019) → $49,661 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Boise or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Boise to Idaho Falls as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Boise vs Idaho Falls?
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