Altus vs Lawton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Altus, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altus, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,615 | $40,082▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.56 | $19.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,387 | $31,799▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,260 | $34,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,900 | $49,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,726 | $59,372▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 13▲ |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.
The salary gap between Altus and Lawton is $1,467 (3.80%). Lawton's median is -16.01% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $24,339,Lawton spans $27,573. Lawton 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, Lawton ($45,087 effective) pays 3.80% more than Altus ($43,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altus if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,082/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,372)
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,087)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Altus grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.7% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Altus, OK
$32,028 (2024) → $37,051 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$25,030 (2019) → $38,459 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Altus or Lawton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Lawton?
Should I relocate from Altus to Lawton as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Altus vs Lawton?
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