Houston vs Fort Worth: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Houston, TX and Fort Worth, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,294 | $49,997▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.74 | $24.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,249 | $37,929▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,459 | $41,562▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,160 | $63,553▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,737 | $77,496▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 219 |
Verdict
Fort Worth, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Fort Worth is $2,703 (5.72%). Fort Worth's median is +4.76% 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,Fort Worth spans $39,567. Fort Worth 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, Fort Worth ($52,080 effective) pays 8.61% 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 Fort Worth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,997/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,496)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,080)
- ✓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 5.8% growth in Fort Worth over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,730 (2019) → $45,379 (2025)
Fort Worth, TX
$45,322 (2024) → $47,973 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Houston or Fort Worth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Fort Worth?
Should I relocate from Houston to Fort Worth as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Houston vs Fort Worth?
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