Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Mesa vs Sedona: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Mesa, AZ and Sedona, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mesa, AZ
$47,115
$22.65/hr
Sedona, AZ
$42,364
$20.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMesa, AZSedona, AZ
Median Salary$47,115$42,364
Hourly Rate$22.65$20.36
Entry Level (P10)$35,862$32,668
25th Percentile$39,258$37,493
75th Percentile$58,220$51,208
Top Earner (P90)$70,120$59,357
Total Employed985
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mesa ($47,115) and Sedona ($42,364) sterile processing technician salaries.MesaSedonaMedian Salary$47,115$42,364Entry Level (P10)$35,862$32,668Top Earner (P90)$70,120$59,357US Median $47,724

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sedona.

The salary gap between Mesa and Sedona is $4,751 (11.21%). Mesa's median is -1.28% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $34,258,Sedona spans $26,689. Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mesa
P10 (Entry)$35,862
P25$39,258
Median$47,115
P75$58,220
P90 (Top)$70,120
Sedona
P10 (Entry)$32,668
P25$37,493
Median$42,364
P75$51,208
P90 (Top)$59,357

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($47,832 effective) pays 11.21% more than Sedona ($43,009 effective).

Mesa
Nominal: $47,115
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $47,832
Sedona
Nominal: $42,364
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $43,009

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,115/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($70,120)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,832)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sedona if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Mesa grew -2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Sedona over the same period.

Mesa, AZ

+-2.9%

$46,581 (2024) → $45,207 (2025)

Sedona, AZ

+-0.1%

$40,686 (2024) → $40,649 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Mesa or Sedona?

Mesa has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $47,115/year, compared to Sedona at $42,364/year — a difference of $4,751 (11.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Sedona?

Mesa sterile processing technicians earn $22.65/hr while Sedona hygienists earn $20.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mesa to Sedona as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mesa and Sedona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mesa = $47,832, Sedona = $43,009), job availability (98 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Mesa vs Sedona?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $35,862 in Mesa and $32,668 in Sedona. The Mesa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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