South Bend vs Terre Haute: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between South Bend, IN and Terre Haute, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | South Bend, IN | Terre Haute, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,970 | $45,531▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.22 | $21.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,859▲ | $34,565 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,590▲ | $37,507 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,264 | $56,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,612 | $65,265▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Terre Haute, IN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between South Bend and Terre Haute is $5,561 (13.91%). Terre Haute's median is -4.60% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Bend spans $23,753,Terre Haute spans $30,700. Terre Haute 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, Terre Haute ($49,870 effective) pays 15.86% more than South Bend ($43,044 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Terre Haute if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,265)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,870)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in South Bend grew -1.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Terre Haute over the same period.
South Bend, IN
$39,080 (2019) → $38,352 (2025)
Terre Haute, IN
$38,726 (2024) → $43,687 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Bend, IN
Terre Haute, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: South Bend or Terre Haute?
What is the hourly rate difference between South Bend and Terre Haute?
Should I relocate from South Bend to Terre Haute as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in South Bend vs Terre Haute?
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