San Antonio vs The Woodlands: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between San Antonio, TX and The Woodlands, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | The Woodlands, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,113 | $46,728▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.69 | $22.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,758 | $35,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,629 | $39,109▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,164 | $58,235▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,122 | $70,029▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 21 |
Verdict
The Woodlands, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and The Woodlands is $1,615 (3.58%). The Woodlands's median is -2.09% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $27,364,The Woodlands spans $34,124. The Woodlands 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, The Woodlands ($48,675 effective) pays 2.19% more than San Antonio ($47,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose The Woodlands if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,728/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,029)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,675)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in San Antonio grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in The Woodlands over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$33,600 (2019) → $43,286 (2025)
The Woodlands, TX
$42,152 (2024) → $44,836 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
The Woodlands, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: San Antonio or The Woodlands?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and The Woodlands?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to The Woodlands as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in San Antonio vs The Woodlands?
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