Pittsburgh vs Scranton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,691 | $45,784▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.04 | $22.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,120▲ | $38,009 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,990 | $40,981▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,705 | $48,805▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,217 | $54,038▲ |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Scranton, PA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Scranton is $4,093 (9.82%). Scranton's median is -4.07% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $15,097,Scranton spans $16,029. Scranton 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, Scranton ($48,938 effective) pays 11.13% more than Pittsburgh ($44,038 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,784/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,038)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,938)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Pittsburgh grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$32,950 (2019) → $40,003 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$33,660 (2020) → $43,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Pittsburgh or Scranton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Scranton?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Scranton as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Pittsburgh vs Scranton?
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