Hagerstown vs Laurel: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,655▲ | $47,569 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.91▲ | $22.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,909 | $37,952▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,510▲ | $40,321 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,296 | $58,419▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,020 | $68,555▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hagerstown, MD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Laurel is $86 (0.18%). Hagerstown's median is -0.14% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $21,111,Laurel spans $30,603. Laurel 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, Hagerstown ($50,605 effective) pays 16.28% more than Laurel ($43,522 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,655/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,605)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,555)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Hagerstown grew 20.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -12.1% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$37,910 (2020) → $45,725 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$51,914 (2024) → $45,643 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Laurel, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hagerstown or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Laurel as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hagerstown vs Laurel?
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