Erie vs Harrisburg: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Erie, PA and Harrisburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Erie, PA | Harrisburg, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,892 | $45,353▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.10 | $21.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,250 | $39,281▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,731▲ | $39,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,435▲ | $45,984 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,114 | $54,128▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Harrisburg, PA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Erie and Harrisburg is $1,461 (3.33%). Harrisburg's median is -4.97% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $9,864,Harrisburg spans $14,847. Harrisburg 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, Erie ($48,259 effective) pays 4.97% more than Harrisburg ($45,974 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,259)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,353/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,128)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Erie grew 18.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Harrisburg over the same period.
Erie, PA
$35,410 (2022) → $42,115 (2025)
Harrisburg, PA
$35,430 (2019) → $43,517 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Erie or Harrisburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Harrisburg?
Should I relocate from Erie to Harrisburg as a sterile processing technician?
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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