Sterling is one of the favourites to pick up the award with 17 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season.
The Manchester City winger is only behind Virgil van Dijk in the running for the top individual award.
The 24-year-old explained why he selected England team-mate Kane over the Liverpool defender.
“My vote for him is because he scores so many goals every year, he does so much for the team, gives so much for his team,” Sterling said.
“There was a lot of talk about Virgil van Dijk. I knew he would have a lot of the votes, so I looked at someone I thought being around him in the national team, how he puts in his work, his work ethic, how he looks after himself.
“He’s always there, especially coming back from injury, as a professional I looked at him and that’s my reason for voting for him, seeing him on a day-to-day with the national team.”
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Kane was not on the six-man shortlist for the award when it was announced last week.
Sterling was one of three Manchester City players, alongside Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero, while Liverpool were represented by Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane.
Chelsea forward Eden Hazard rounded off the shortlist.
City and Liverpool are locked in a battle for the Premier League title with the season entering its final stage.
Sterling was pleased to be on the shortlist but would rather win the league and FA Cup.
“It’s nice to be recognised on that front but, to be honest, if we don’t win the Premier League, I don’t really want to be in contention,” said Sterling.