Buffalo vs Utica: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Buffalo, NY and Utica, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Utica, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,074▲ | $45,623 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.64▲ | $21.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,570▲ | $36,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,681 | $40,331▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,927 | $57,680▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,730▲ | $57,680 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Utica.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Utica is $1,451 (3.18%). Buffalo's median is -1.36% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $19,160,Utica spans $20,872. Utica 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, Utica ($49,227 effective) pays 0.23% more than Buffalo ($49,115 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,074/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,730)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Utica if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,227)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Buffalo grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Utica over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$38,200 (2019) → $45,168 (2025)
Utica, NY
$38,000 (2021) → $43,776 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Buffalo or Utica?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Utica?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Utica as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Buffalo vs Utica?
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