Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Greenwood vs South Bend: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Greenwood, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Greenwood, IN
$45,343
$21.80/hr
South Bend, IN
$39,970
$19.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreenwood, INSouth Bend, IN
Median Salary$45,343$39,970
Hourly Rate$21.80$19.22
Entry Level (P10)$35,085$37,859
25th Percentile$37,849$38,590
75th Percentile$56,465$48,264
Top Earner (P90)$65,822$61,612
Total Employed1580
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greenwood ($45,343) and South Bend ($39,970) sterile processing technician salaries.GreenwoodSouth BendMedian Salary$45,343$39,970Entry Level (P10)$35,085$37,859Top Earner (P90)$65,822$61,612US Median $47,724

Verdict

Greenwood, IN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.

The salary gap between Greenwood and South Bend is $5,373 (13.44%). Greenwood's median is -4.99% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenwood spans $30,737,South Bend spans $23,753. Greenwood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Greenwood
P10 (Entry)$35,085
P25$37,849
Median$45,343
P75$56,465
P90 (Top)$65,822
South Bend
P10 (Entry)$37,859
P25$38,590
Median$39,970
P75$48,264
P90 (Top)$61,612

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenwood ($49,664 effective) pays 15.38% more than South Bend ($43,044 effective).

Greenwood
Nominal: $45,343
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $49,664
South Bend
Nominal: $39,970
CoL Index: 92.858
Adjusted: $43,044

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Greenwood if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,343/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,822)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,664)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose South Bend if…

  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Greenwood grew 17.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.9% growth in South Bend over the same period.

Greenwood, IN

+17.0%

$37,174 (2024) → $43,507 (2025)

South Bend, IN

+-1.9%

$39,080 (2019) → $38,352 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Greenwood or South Bend?

Greenwood has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $45,343/year, compared to South Bend at $39,970/year — a difference of $5,373 (13.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greenwood and South Bend?

Greenwood sterile processing technicians earn $21.80/hr while South Bend hygienists earn $19.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Greenwood to South Bend as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greenwood and South Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greenwood = $49,664, South Bend = $43,044), job availability (15 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Greenwood vs South Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $35,085 in Greenwood and $37,859 in South Bend. The South Bend 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