Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Galveston vs San Antonio: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Galveston, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Galveston, TX
$43,262
$20.80/hr
San Antonio, TX
$45,113
$21.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGalveston, TXSan Antonio, TX
Median Salary$43,262$45,113
Hourly Rate$20.80$21.69
Entry Level (P10)$32,322$35,758
25th Percentile$35,281$36,629
75th Percentile$53,076$48,164
Top Earner (P90)$62,884$63,122
Total Employed10390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Galveston ($43,262) and San Antonio ($45,113) sterile processing technician salaries.GalvestonSan AntonioMedian Salary$43,262$45,113Entry Level (P10)$32,322$35,758Top Earner (P90)$62,884$63,122US Median $47,724

Verdict

San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Galveston.

The salary gap between Galveston and San Antonio is $1,851 (4.28%). San Antonio's median is -5.47% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Galveston spans $30,562,San Antonio spans $27,364. Galveston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Galveston
P10 (Entry)$32,322
P25$35,281
Median$43,262
P75$53,076
P90 (Top)$62,884
San Antonio
P10 (Entry)$35,758
P25$36,629
Median$45,113
P75$48,164
P90 (Top)$63,122

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Antonio ($47,630 effective) pays 5.69% more than Galveston ($45,065 effective).

Galveston
Nominal: $43,262
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $45,065
San Antonio
Nominal: $45,113
CoL Index: 94.716
Adjusted: $47,630

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Galveston if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose San Antonio if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,113/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,122)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,630)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Galveston grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in San Antonio over the same period.

Galveston, TX

+-2.0%

$42,371 (2024) → $41,510 (2025)

San Antonio, TX

+28.8%

$33,600 (2019) → $43,286 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Galveston or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $45,113/year, compared to Galveston at $43,262/year — a difference of $1,851 (4.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Galveston and San Antonio?

Galveston sterile processing technicians earn $20.80/hr while San Antonio hygienists earn $21.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Galveston to San Antonio as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Galveston and San Antonio. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Galveston = $45,065, San Antonio = $47,630), job availability (10 vs 390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Galveston vs San Antonio?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $32,322 in Galveston and $35,758 in San Antonio. The San Antonio 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