Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Canton vs Cincinnati: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Canton, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Canton, OH
$43,333
$20.83/hr
Cincinnati, OH
$48,155
$23.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCanton, OHCincinnati, OH
Median Salary$43,333$48,155
Hourly Rate$20.83$23.15
Entry Level (P10)$34,707$38,189
25th Percentile$36,808$40,031
75th Percentile$45,584$49,945
Top Earner (P90)$58,891$60,792
Total Employed100780
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Canton ($43,333) and Cincinnati ($48,155) sterile processing technician salaries.CantonCincinnatiMedian Salary$43,333$48,155Entry Level (P10)$34,707$38,189Top Earner (P90)$58,891$60,792US Median $47,724

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Canton.

The salary gap between Canton and Cincinnati is $4,822 (11.13%). Cincinnati'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 Canton spans $24,184,Cincinnati spans $22,603. Canton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Canton
P10 (Entry)$34,707
P25$36,808
Median$43,333
P75$45,584
P90 (Top)$58,891
Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$38,189
P25$40,031
Median$48,155
P75$49,945
P90 (Top)$60,792

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($50,493 effective) pays 4.18% more than Canton ($48,468 effective).

Canton
Nominal: $43,333
CoL Index: 89.406
Adjusted: $48,468
Cincinnati
Nominal: $48,155
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $50,493

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Canton if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,155/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,792)
  • Larger job market (780 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,493)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Canton grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.

Canton, OH

+15.5%

$35,990 (2019) → $41,578 (2025)

Cincinnati, OH

+22.7%

$37,660 (2019) → $46,205 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Canton or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $48,155/year, compared to Canton at $43,333/year — a difference of $4,822 (11.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Canton and Cincinnati?

Canton sterile processing technicians earn $20.83/hr while Cincinnati hygienists earn $23.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Canton to Cincinnati as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Canton and Cincinnati. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Canton = $48,468, Cincinnati = $50,493), job availability (100 vs 780 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Canton vs Cincinnati?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,707 in Canton and $38,189 in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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