Cortland vs Rochester: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cortland, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cortland, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,115 | $45,613▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.73 | $21.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,513 | $37,099▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,137 | $44,323▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,071▲ | $50,856 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,858 | $59,380▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Cortland and Rochester is $2,498 (5.79%). Rochester's median is -4.42% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cortland spans $23,345,Rochester spans $22,281. Cortland 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, Rochester ($47,007 effective) pays 26.36% more than Cortland ($37,200 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,613/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,380)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,007)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cortland grew -22.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Cortland, NY
$53,360 (2024) → $41,369 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$30,810 (2019) → $43,766 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cortland, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cortland or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cortland and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Cortland to Rochester as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Cortland vs Rochester?
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