Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Columbus vs Grove City: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$45,843
$22.04/hr
Grove City, OH
$44,654
$21.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHGrove City, OH
Median Salary$45,843$44,654
Hourly Rate$22.04$21.47
Entry Level (P10)$37,139$34,854
25th Percentile$38,500$37,279
75th Percentile$49,205$53,256
Top Earner (P90)$58,330$61,977
Total Employed5507
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($45,843) and Grove City ($44,654) sterile processing technician salaries.ColumbusGrove CityMedian Salary$45,843$44,654Entry Level (P10)$37,139$34,854Top Earner (P90)$58,330$61,977US Median $47,724

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grove City.

The salary gap between Columbus and Grove City is $1,189 (2.66%). 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 Columbus spans $21,191,Grove City spans $27,123. Grove City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$37,139
P25$38,500
Median$45,843
P75$49,205
P90 (Top)$58,330
Grove City
P10 (Entry)$34,854
P25$37,279
Median$44,654
P75$53,256
P90 (Top)$61,977

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Grove City ($49,233 effective) pays 2.53% more than Columbus ($48,019 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $45,843
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $48,019
Grove City
Nominal: $44,654
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $49,233

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,843/year)
  • Larger job market (550 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Grove City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($61,977)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,233)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Columbus grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Grove City over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+18.1%

$37,250 (2019) → $43,987 (2025)

Grove City, OH

+13.8%

$37,647 (2024) → $42,846 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Columbus or Grove City?

Columbus has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $45,843/year, compared to Grove City at $44,654/year — a difference of $1,189 (2.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Grove City?

Columbus sterile processing technicians earn $22.04/hr while Grove City hygienists earn $21.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Grove City as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Grove City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $48,019, Grove City = $49,233), job availability (550 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Columbus vs Grove City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $37,139 in Columbus and $34,854 in Grove City. The Columbus 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