Houston vs Temple: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Houston, TX and Temple, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Temple, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,294▲ | $42,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.74▲ | $20.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,249▲ | $33,616 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,459▲ | $35,985 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,160▲ | $52,445 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,737▲ | $62,535 |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Temple.
The salary gap between Houston and Temple is $4,948 (11.68%). Houston's median is -0.90% 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,Temple spans $28,919. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($47,951 effective) pays 8.71% more than Temple ($44,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,294/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,737)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,951)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Temple if…
- ✓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 -2.0% growth in Temple over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,730 (2019) → $45,379 (2025)
Temple, TX
$41,475 (2024) → $40,631 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Temple, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Houston or Temple?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Temple as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Houston vs Temple?
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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