Brownsville vs Houston: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Brownsville, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brownsville, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,118 | $47,294▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.73 | $22.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,429 | $37,249▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,182 | $38,459▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,173 | $59,160▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,385 | $72,737▲ |
| Total Employed | 34 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brownsville.
The salary gap between Brownsville and Houston is $4,176 (9.69%). Houston's median is -0.90% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brownsville spans $32,956,Houston spans $35,488. Houston 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, Houston ($47,951 effective) pays 6.76% more than Brownsville ($44,915 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brownsville if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,294/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,737)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,951)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Brownsville grew 19.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Brownsville, TX
$34,510 (2021) → $41,372 (2025)
Houston, TX
$35,730 (2019) → $45,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brownsville, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Brownsville or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brownsville and Houston?
Should I relocate from Brownsville to Houston as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Brownsville vs Houston?
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