Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Eugene vs West Linn: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Eugene, OR and West Linn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Eugene, OR
$47,444
$22.81/hr
West Linn, OR
$46,406
$22.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEugene, ORWest Linn, OR
Median Salary$47,444$46,406
Hourly Rate$22.81$22.31
Entry Level (P10)$35,448$34,659
25th Percentile$35,999$40,452
75th Percentile$51,557$57,039
Top Earner (P90)$64,393$67,016
Total Employed2607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Eugene ($47,444) and West Linn ($46,406) sterile processing technician salaries.EugeneWest LinnMedian Salary$47,444$46,406Entry Level (P10)$35,448$34,659Top Earner (P90)$64,393$67,016US Median $47,724

Verdict

Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Linn.

The salary gap between Eugene and West Linn is $1,038 (2.24%). Eugene's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $28,945,West Linn spans $32,357. West Linn has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Eugene
P10 (Entry)$35,448
P25$35,999
Median$47,444
P75$51,557
P90 (Top)$64,393
West Linn
P10 (Entry)$34,659
P25$40,452
Median$46,406
P75$57,039
P90 (Top)$67,016

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($46,712 effective) pays 3.28% more than West Linn ($45,230 effective).

Eugene
Nominal: $47,444
CoL Index: 101.568
Adjusted: $46,712
West Linn
Nominal: $46,406
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $45,230

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Eugene if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,444/year)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,712)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose West Linn if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($67,016)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Eugene grew 16.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.1% growth in West Linn over the same period.

Eugene, OR

+16.1%

$39,200 (2019) → $45,523 (2025)

West Linn, OR

+-17.1%

$53,692 (2024) → $44,527 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Eugene or West Linn?

Eugene has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $47,444/year, compared to West Linn at $46,406/year — a difference of $1,038 (2.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and West Linn?

Eugene sterile processing technicians earn $22.81/hr while West Linn hygienists earn $22.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Eugene to West Linn as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Eugene and West Linn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Eugene = $46,712, West Linn = $45,230), job availability (260 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Eugene vs West Linn?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $35,448 in Eugene and $34,659 in West Linn. The Eugene 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