Evansville vs Portage: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Evansville, IN and Portage, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Portage, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,674▲ | $43,547 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.44▲ | $20.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,788▲ | $34,617 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,788 | $36,819▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,344 | $53,390▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,898 | $62,610▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portage.
The salary gap between Evansville and Portage is $3,127 (7.18%). Evansville's median is -2.20% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $19,110,Portage spans $27,993. Portage 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, Evansville ($50,994 effective) pays 6.91% more than Portage ($47,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,674/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,994)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Portage if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,610)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Evansville grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Portage over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$36,000 (2019) → $44,784 (2025)
Portage, IN
$37,039 (2024) → $41,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Portage, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Evansville or Portage?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Portage?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Portage as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Evansville vs Portage?
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