Lincoln vs North Platte: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Lincoln, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | North Platte, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,432▲ | $38,981 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.92▲ | $18.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,658▲ | $32,581 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,350▲ | $34,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,411 | $46,692▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,178▲ | $53,926 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Platte.
The salary gap between Lincoln and North Platte is $2,451 (6.29%). Lincoln's median is -13.18% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $17,520,North Platte spans $21,345. North Platte 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, Lincoln ($45,241 effective) pays 6.19% more than North Platte ($42,602 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,432/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,178)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,241)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose North Platte if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Lincoln grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in North Platte over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$32,760 (2019) → $39,754 (2025)
North Platte, NE
$35,736 (2024) → $37,403 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
North Platte, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Lincoln or North Platte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and North Platte?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to North Platte as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Lincoln vs North Platte?
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