Hagerstown vs Towson: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Towson, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Towson, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,655 | $48,347▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.91 | $23.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,909 | $38,715▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,510 | $41,335▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,296 | $60,202▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,020 | $71,691▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Towson, MD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Towson is $692 (1.45%). Towson's median is +1.31% 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,Towson spans $32,976. Towson 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 14.40% more than Towson ($44,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,605)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Towson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,347/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,691)
- ✓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 -13.9% growth in Towson over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$37,910 (2020) → $45,725 (2025)
Towson, MD
$53,894 (2024) → $46,389 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Towson, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hagerstown or Towson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Towson?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Towson as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hagerstown vs Towson?
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