Beaverton vs Portland: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Beaverton, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beaverton, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,601 | $51,026▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.89 | $24.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,919 | $36,739▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,299 | $48,025▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,843 | $62,092▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,470▲ | $66,444 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beaverton.
The salary gap between Beaverton and Portland is $3,425 (7.20%). Portland's median is +6.92% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beaverton spans $36,551,Portland spans $29,705. Beaverton 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, Portland ($48,402 effective) pays 4.33% more than Beaverton ($46,395 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beaverton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,470)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,026/year)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,402)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Beaverton grew -17.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Portland over the same period.
Beaverton, OR
$55,076 (2024) → $45,674 (2025)
Portland, OR
$46,170 (2019) → $48,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beaverton, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Beaverton or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beaverton and Portland?
Should I relocate from Beaverton to Portland as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Beaverton vs Portland?
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