Fort Wayne vs Lafayette: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,800 | $45,083▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.64 | $21.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,589▲ | $29,104 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,450▲ | $35,568 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,114▲ | $47,564 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,090 | $61,392▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Lafayette is $6,283 (16.19%). Lafayette's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $20,501,Lafayette spans $32,288. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($48,253 effective) pays 15.13% more than Fort Wayne ($41,913 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,083/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,392)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,253)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Fort Wayne grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,430 (2019) → $37,229 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$38,860 (2023) → $43,258 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
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Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Lafayette as a sterile processing technician?
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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