Auburn vs Bangor: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,881 | $46,224▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.61 | $22.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,096 | $37,449▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,006▲ | $37,549 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,316▲ | $49,965 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,475▲ | $55,478 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $3,343 (7.80%). Bangor's median is -3.14% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $24,379,Bangor spans $18,029. Auburn 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, Bangor ($47,897 effective) pays 11.25% more than Auburn ($43,053 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,475)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,224/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,897)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Auburn grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.8% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$43,055 (2024) → $41,145 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$45,640 (2023) → $44,352 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Auburn or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Auburn vs Bangor?
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