Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Avon vs Columbus: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Avon, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avon, OH
$43,106
$20.73/hr
Columbus, OH
$45,843
$22.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvon, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$43,106$45,843
Hourly Rate$20.73$22.04
Entry Level (P10)$34,432$37,139
25th Percentile$36,348$38,500
75th Percentile$51,327$49,205
Top Earner (P90)$59,139$58,330
Total Employed6550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avon ($43,106) and Columbus ($45,843) sterile processing technician salaries.AvonColumbusMedian Salary$43,106$45,843Entry Level (P10)$34,432$37,139Top Earner (P90)$59,139$58,330US Median $47,724

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Avon.

The salary gap between Avon and Columbus is $2,737 (6.35%). Columbus's median is -3.94% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avon spans $24,707,Columbus spans $21,191. Avon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Avon
P10 (Entry)$34,432
P25$36,348
Median$43,106
P75$51,327
P90 (Top)$59,139
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$37,139
P25$38,500
Median$45,843
P75$49,205
P90 (Top)$58,330

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($48,019 effective) pays 1.04% more than Avon ($47,526 effective).

Avon
Nominal: $43,106
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $47,526
Columbus
Nominal: $45,843
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $48,019

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avon if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($59,139)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,843/year)
  • Larger job market (550 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,019)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Avon grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Avon, OH

+13.8%

$36,343 (2024) → $41,361 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+18.1%

$37,250 (2019) → $43,987 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Avon or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $45,843/year, compared to Avon at $43,106/year — a difference of $2,737 (6.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avon and Columbus?

Avon sterile processing technicians earn $20.73/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $22.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avon to Columbus as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avon and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avon = $47,526, Columbus = $48,019), job availability (6 vs 550 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Avon vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,432 in Avon and $37,139 in Columbus. The Columbus 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