Fishers vs Fort Wayne: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fishers, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,977▲ | $38,800 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.63▲ | $18.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,252 | $36,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,382 | $38,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,933▲ | $48,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,738▲ | $57,090 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Fishers, IN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fishers and Fort Wayne is $6,177 (15.92%). Fishers's median is -5.76% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $34,486,Fort Wayne spans $20,501. Fishers 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, Fishers ($49,263 effective) pays 17.54% 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 Fishers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,977/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,738)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,263)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓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 Fishers grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$38,256 (2024) → $43,156 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,430 (2019) → $37,229 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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