Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Dallas vs Leander: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Dallas, TX and Leander, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$50,326
$24.20/hr
Leander, TX
$41,851
$20.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXLeander, TX
Median Salary$50,326$41,851
Hourly Rate$24.20$20.12
Entry Level (P10)$38,159$32,275
25th Percentile$45,484$34,981
75th Percentile$62,492$51,249
Top Earner (P90)$83,223$60,833
Total Employed1,21011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($50,326) and Leander ($41,851) sterile processing technician salaries.DallasLeanderMedian Salary$50,326$41,851Entry Level (P10)$38,159$32,275Top Earner (P90)$83,223$60,833US Median $47,724

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leander.

The salary gap between Dallas and Leander is $8,475 (20.25%). Dallas's median is +5.45% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $45,064,Leander spans $28,558. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$38,159
P25$45,484
Median$50,326
P75$62,492
P90 (Top)$83,223
Leander
P10 (Entry)$32,275
P25$34,981
Median$41,851
P75$51,249
P90 (Top)$60,833

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($48,818 effective) pays 11.98% more than Leander ($43,595 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $50,326
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $48,818
Leander
Nominal: $41,851
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $43,595

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,326/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,223)
  • Larger job market (1,210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,818)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Leander if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Dallas grew 38.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Leander over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+38.5%

$34,860 (2019) → $48,288 (2025)

Leander, TX

+-2.0%

$40,990 (2024) → $40,156 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Dallas or Leander?

Dallas has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $50,326/year, compared to Leander at $41,851/year — a difference of $8,475 (20.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Leander?

Dallas sterile processing technicians earn $24.20/hr while Leander hygienists earn $20.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Leander as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Leander. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $48,818, Leander = $43,595), job availability (1,210 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Dallas vs Leander?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $38,159 in Dallas and $32,275 in Leander. The Dallas 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