Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,934▲ | $38,800 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.08▲ | $18.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,318 | $36,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,759▲ | $38,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,475▲ | $48,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,477 | $57,090▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Elkhart and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $7,134 (18.39%). Elkhart's median is -3.75% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $18,159,Fort Wayne spans $20,501. Fort Wayne 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, Elkhart ($50,854 effective) pays 21.33% more than Fort Wayne ($41,913 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,934/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,854)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,090)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Elkhart grew 38.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$31,890 (2019) → $44,074 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,430 (2019) → $37,229 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Elkhart or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to Fort Wayne as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Elkhart vs Fort Wayne?
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