Cedar City vs Salt Lake City: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cedar City, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar City, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,345 | $44,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.32 | $21.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,490▲ | $34,407 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,647▲ | $37,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,799 | $56,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,402 | $68,525▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 42▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar City.
The salary gap between Cedar City and Salt Lake City is $405 (0.91%). Salt Lake City's median is -6.23% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar City spans $26,912,Salt Lake City spans $34,118. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($45,617 effective) pays 0.91% more than Cedar City ($45,204 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar City if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,525)
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,617)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cedar City grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Cedar City, UT
$42,588 (2024) → $42,549 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$37,910 (2019) → $42,938 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cedar City or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar City and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Cedar City to Salt Lake City as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Cedar City vs Salt Lake City?
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