Bloomington vs Indianapolis: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bloomington, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,903 | $46,304▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.59 | $22.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,658 | $37,549▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,060 | $40,131▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,554 | $49,365▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,429 | $61,321▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Indianapolis is $1,401 (3.12%). Indianapolis's median is -2.98% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $20,771,Indianapolis spans $23,772. Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis ($48,387 effective) pays 2.46% more than Bloomington ($47,225 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,304/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,321)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,387)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bloomington grew 12.3% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Bloomington, IN
$38,350 (2023) → $43,085 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$37,240 (2019) → $44,429 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bloomington or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Indianapolis as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bloomington vs Indianapolis?
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