Cleveland vs Columbus: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,323 | $45,843▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.79 | $22.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,130▲ | $37,139 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,040▲ | $38,500 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,244 | $49,205▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,640▲ | $58,330 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 550 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Columbus are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $520 (1.15%). Columbus's median is -3.94% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $20,510,Columbus spans $21,191. Columbus 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, Cleveland ($48,255 effective) pays 0.49% more than Columbus ($48,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,640)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,255)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,843/year)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cleveland grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$36,430 (2019) → $43,488 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$37,250 (2019) → $43,987 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cleveland or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Cleveland vs Columbus?
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