Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Florence vs Phoenix: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Florence, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Florence, AZ
$44,053
$21.18/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$47,344
$22.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFlorence, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$44,053$47,344
Hourly Rate$21.18$22.76
Entry Level (P10)$33,478$35,298
25th Percentile$36,108$36,979
75th Percentile$52,838$53,567
Top Earner (P90)$64,349$61,271
Total Employed51,800
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Florence ($44,053) and Phoenix ($47,344) sterile processing technician salaries.FlorencePhoenixMedian Salary$44,053$47,344Entry Level (P10)$33,478$35,298Top Earner (P90)$64,349$61,271US Median $47,724

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.

The salary gap between Florence and Phoenix is $3,291 (7.47%). Phoenix's median is -0.80% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $30,871,Phoenix spans $25,973. Florence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Florence
P10 (Entry)$33,478
P25$36,108
Median$44,053
P75$52,838
P90 (Top)$64,349
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$35,298
P25$36,979
Median$47,344
P75$53,567
P90 (Top)$61,271

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($45,824 effective) pays 2.46% more than Florence ($44,724 effective).

Florence
Nominal: $44,053
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $44,724
Phoenix
Nominal: $47,344
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $45,824

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Florence if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($64,349)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,344/year)
  • Larger job market (1,800 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,824)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Florence grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Florence, AZ

+-0.1%

$42,307 (2024) → $42,269 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+19.9%

$37,880 (2019) → $45,427 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Florence or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $47,344/year, compared to Florence at $44,053/year — a difference of $3,291 (7.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Florence and Phoenix?

Florence sterile processing technicians earn $21.18/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $22.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Florence to Phoenix as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Florence and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Florence = $44,724, Phoenix = $45,824), job availability (5 vs 1,800 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Florence vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $33,478 in Florence and $35,298 in Phoenix. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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