Kennewick vs Wenatchee: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Kennewick, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,075 | $51,387▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.12 | $24.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,140▲ | $34,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,811▲ | $41,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,201 | $66,845▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,859 | $75,949▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Wenatchee, WA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Wenatchee is $3,312 (6.89%). Wenatchee's median is +7.68% 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,Wenatchee spans $41,281. Wenatchee 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, Wenatchee ($49,480 effective) pays 3.00% more than Kennewick ($48,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Wenatchee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,387/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,949)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,480)
- ✓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 18.6% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$32,450 (2019) → $46,128 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$41,570 (2019) → $49,306 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Kennewick or Wenatchee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Wenatchee?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Wenatchee as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Kennewick vs Wenatchee?
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