Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Oakland Park vs Orlando: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Oakland Park, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oakland Park, FL
$41,715
$20.05/hr
Orlando, FL
$43,703
$21.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOakland Park, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$41,715$43,703
Hourly Rate$20.05$21.01
Entry Level (P10)$33,606$34,268
25th Percentile$35,598$37,519
75th Percentile$51,463$49,586
Top Earner (P90)$59,024$59,580
Total Employed6860
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oakland Park ($41,715) and Orlando ($43,703) sterile processing technician salaries.Oakland ParkOrlandoMedian Salary$41,715$43,703Entry Level (P10)$33,606$34,268Top Earner (P90)$59,024$59,580US Median $47,724

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oakland Park.

The salary gap between Oakland Park and Orlando is $1,988 (4.77%). Orlando's median is -8.43% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland Park spans $25,418,Orlando spans $25,312. Oakland Park has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Oakland Park
P10 (Entry)$33,606
P25$35,598
Median$41,715
P75$51,463
P90 (Top)$59,024
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$34,268
P25$37,519
Median$43,703
P75$49,586
P90 (Top)$59,580

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($43,092 effective) pays 4.13% more than Oakland Park ($41,384 effective).

Oakland Park
Nominal: $41,715
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $41,384
Orlando
Nominal: $43,703
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $43,092

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oakland Park if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($43,703/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,580)
  • Larger job market (860 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,092)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Oakland Park grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Oakland Park, FL

+4.0%

$38,486 (2024) → $40,026 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+29.0%

$32,510 (2019) → $41,933 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Oakland Park or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $43,703/year, compared to Oakland Park at $41,715/year — a difference of $1,988 (4.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland Park and Orlando?

Oakland Park sterile processing technicians earn $20.05/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $21.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oakland Park to Orlando as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oakland Park and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oakland Park = $41,384, Orlando = $43,092), job availability (6 vs 860 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Oakland Park vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $33,606 in Oakland Park and $34,268 in Orlando. The Orlando 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