Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Austin vs Weslaco: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Austin, TX and Weslaco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$49,295
$23.70/hr
Weslaco, TX
$41,932
$20.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXWeslaco, TX
Median Salary$49,295$41,932
Hourly Rate$23.70$20.16
Entry Level (P10)$38,220$31,589
25th Percentile$39,060$36,720
75th Percentile$61,782$51,734
Top Earner (P90)$75,969$60,821
Total Employed3709
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($49,295) and Weslaco ($41,932) sterile processing technician salaries.AustinWeslacoMedian Salary$49,295$41,932Entry Level (P10)$38,220$31,589Top Earner (P90)$75,969$60,821US Median $47,724

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Weslaco.

The salary gap between Austin and Weslaco is $7,363 (17.56%). Austin's median is +3.29% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $37,749,Weslaco spans $29,232. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$38,220
P25$39,060
Median$49,295
P75$61,782
P90 (Top)$75,969
Weslaco
P10 (Entry)$31,589
P25$36,720
Median$41,932
P75$51,734
P90 (Top)$60,821

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($50,267 effective) pays 15.08% more than Weslaco ($43,679 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $49,295
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $50,267
Weslaco
Nominal: $41,932
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $43,679

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,295/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($75,969)
  • Larger job market (370 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,267)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Weslaco if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Austin grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Weslaco over the same period.

Austin, TX

+38.7%

$34,110 (2019) → $47,299 (2025)

Weslaco, TX

+-2.0%

$41,069 (2024) → $40,234 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Austin or Weslaco?

Austin has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,295/year, compared to Weslaco at $41,932/year — a difference of $7,363 (17.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Weslaco?

Austin sterile processing technicians earn $23.70/hr while Weslaco hygienists earn $20.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Weslaco as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Weslaco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $50,267, Weslaco = $43,679), job availability (370 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Austin vs Weslaco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $38,220 in Austin and $31,589 in Weslaco. The Austin 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