Richmond vs Sterling: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Richmond, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,663▲ | $45,366 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.43▲ | $21.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,838 | $36,739▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,891▲ | $37,989 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,144 | $55,194▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,210 | $64,753▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Richmond and Sterling is $1,297 (2.86%). Richmond's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $23,372,Sterling spans $28,014. Sterling 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, Richmond ($47,684 effective) pays 8.47% more than Sterling ($43,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,663/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,684)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,753)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Richmond grew 9.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$41,070 (2019) → $44,774 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$43,568 (2024) → $43,529 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Richmond or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Sterling as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Richmond vs Sterling?
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