Houston vs Dallas: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Houston, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,294 | $50,326▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.74 | $24.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,249 | $38,159▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,459 | $45,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,160 | $62,492▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,737 | $83,223▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 1,210 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Dallas is $3,032 (6.41%). Dallas's median is +5.45% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $35,488,Dallas spans $45,064. Dallas 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, Dallas ($48,818 effective) pays 1.81% more than Houston ($47,951 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,223)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,818)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Houston grew 27.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.5% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,730 (2019) → $45,379 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$34,860 (2019) → $48,288 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Houston or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Houston to Dallas as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Houston vs Dallas?
Related Comparisons
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