Seattle vs Tacoma: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,901▲ | $60,869 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.77▲ | $29.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,204▲ | $45,174 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,397▲ | $49,874 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,958 | $77,912▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,281 | $94,346▲ |
| Total Employed | 910▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $1,032 (1.70%). Seattle's median is +29.71% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $34,077,Tacoma spans $49,172. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($56,675 effective) pays 1.75% more than Seattle ($55,700 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,901/year)
- ✓Larger job market (910 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,346)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,675)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Seattle grew 41.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.4% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$41,880 (2019) → $59,395 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$63,091 (2024) → $58,404 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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