Eugene vs Pendleton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Eugene, OR and Pendleton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Pendleton, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,444▲ | $46,001 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.81▲ | $22.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,448 | $37,245▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,999 | $39,190▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,557 | $55,184▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,393▲ | $62,031 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Eugene and Pendleton is $1,443 (3.14%). Eugene's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $28,945,Pendleton spans $24,786. Eugene 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, Eugene ($46,712 effective) pays 4.18% more than Pendleton ($44,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,393)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,712)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Eugene grew 16.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.1% growth in Pendleton over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$39,200 (2019) → $45,523 (2025)
Pendleton, OR
$53,223 (2024) → $44,138 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Eugene or Pendleton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Pendleton?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Pendleton as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Eugene vs Pendleton?
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