Cincinnati vs Cleveland: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,155▲ | $45,323 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.15▲ | $21.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,189▲ | $38,130 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,031▲ | $39,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,945▲ | $48,244 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,792▲ | $58,640 |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 680 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Cleveland is $2,832 (6.25%). 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 Cincinnati spans $22,603,Cleveland spans $20,510. Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati ($50,493 effective) pays 4.64% 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 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
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cincinnati grew 22.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$37,660 (2019) → $46,205 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$36,430 (2019) → $43,488 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cincinnati or Cleveland?
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Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Cleveland as a sterile processing technician?
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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