Bowling Green vs Cleveland: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bowling Green, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,896 | $45,323▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.58 | $21.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,451 | $38,130▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,784 | $39,040▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,837▲ | $48,244 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,794▲ | $58,640 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Cleveland is $427 (0.95%). Cleveland's median is -5.03% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $27,343,Cleveland spans $20,510. Bowling Green 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, Bowling Green ($49,499 effective) pays 2.58% more than Cleveland ($48,255 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,794)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,499)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,323/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bowling Green grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Bowling Green, OH
$37,851 (2024) → $43,078 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$36,430 (2019) → $43,488 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bowling Green or Cleveland?
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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