New York vs Rochester: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between New York, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,900▲ | $45,613 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.32▲ | $21.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,361▲ | $37,099 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,615▲ | $44,323 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,622▲ | $50,856 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,437▲ | $59,380 |
| Total Employed | 5,270▲ | 320 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between New York and Rochester is $13,287 (29.13%). New York's median is +23.42% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $31,076,Rochester spans $22,281. New York 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, New York ($52,326 effective) pays 11.32% more than Rochester ($47,007 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,900/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,437)
- ✓Larger job market (5,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,326)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in New York grew 24.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
New York, NY
$45,500 (2019) → $56,515 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$30,810 (2019) → $43,766 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: New York or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Rochester?
Should I relocate from New York to Rochester as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in New York vs Rochester?
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