Kennewick vs Pullman: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Kennewick, WA and Pullman, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Pullman, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,075▲ | $46,138 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.12▲ | $22.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,140▲ | $37,577 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,811▲ | $39,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,201▲ | $57,142 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,859▲ | $67,510 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pullman.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Pullman is $1,937 (4.20%). Kennewick's median is +0.74% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $36,719,Pullman spans $29,933. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($48,037 effective) pays 11.82% more than Pullman ($42,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,075/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,859)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,037)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Pullman if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Kennewick grew 42.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -25.9% growth in Pullman over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$32,450 (2019) → $46,128 (2025)
Pullman, WA
$59,783 (2024) → $44,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Pullman, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Kennewick or Pullman?
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What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Kennewick vs Pullman?
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