Columbus vs Zanesville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Columbus, OH and Zanesville, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Zanesville, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,843▲ | $44,878 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.04▲ | $21.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,139▲ | $35,408 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,500▲ | $37,746 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,205 | $53,794▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,330 | $62,733▲ |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Zanesville.
The salary gap between Columbus and Zanesville is $965 (2.15%). 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 Columbus spans $21,191,Zanesville spans $27,325. Zanesville 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, Zanesville ($49,480 effective) pays 3.04% 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 Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,843/year)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Zanesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,733)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,480)
- ✓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 Zanesville over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$37,250 (2019) → $43,987 (2025)
Zanesville, OH
$37,837 (2024) → $43,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Zanesville, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Columbus or Zanesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Zanesville?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Zanesville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Columbus vs Zanesville?
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