Albuquerque vs Gallup: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Gallup, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Gallup, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,839 | $40,210▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.71 | $19.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,055 | $33,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,757 | $35,109▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,794 | $49,008▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,496 | $55,613▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Gallup, NM offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Gallup is $3,371 (9.15%). Gallup's median is -15.74% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $20,441,Gallup spans $21,841. Gallup 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, Gallup ($42,595 effective) pays 10.48% more than Albuquerque ($38,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Gallup if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,613)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,595)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Albuquerque grew -3.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Gallup over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$36,720 (2019) → $35,347 (2025)
Gallup, NM
$38,617 (2024) → $38,582 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Gallup, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Albuquerque or Gallup?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Gallup?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Gallup as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Albuquerque vs Gallup?
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