Columbus vs Omaha: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Columbus, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,145 | $39,450▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.82 | $18.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,165 | $37,759▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,387 | $38,300▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,688 | $48,855▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,706 | $56,098▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Omaha is $305 (0.78%). Omaha's median is -17.34% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $22,541,Omaha spans $18,339. Columbus 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, Omaha ($42,922 effective) pays 0.33% more than Columbus ($42,781 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,450/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,098)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,922)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Columbus grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$35,886 (2024) → $37,560 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$33,750 (2019) → $37,853 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Columbus or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Omaha as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Columbus vs Omaha?
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