Bothell vs Kennewick: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bothell, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bothell, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,344 | $48,075▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.28 | $23.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,081 | $39,140▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,100 | $41,811▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,969 | $61,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,451 | $75,859▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bothell.
The salary gap between Bothell and Kennewick is $1,731 (3.74%). Kennewick's median is +0.74% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bothell spans $28,370,Kennewick spans $36,719. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($48,037 effective) pays 11.32% more than Bothell ($43,151 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bothell if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,075/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,859)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,037)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bothell grew -25.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.2% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Bothell, WA
$60,049 (2024) → $44,467 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$32,450 (2019) → $46,128 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bothell, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bothell or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bothell and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Bothell to Kennewick as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bothell vs Kennewick?
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