Ardmore vs Lawton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Ardmore, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ardmore, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,545 | $40,082▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.53 | $19.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,355 | $31,799▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,499 | $34,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,111 | $49,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,370 | $59,372▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 13▲ |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Lawton is $1,537 (3.99%). 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 Ardmore spans $25,015,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 3.99% more than Ardmore ($43,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ardmore 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 Ardmore grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.7% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$31,970 (2024) → $36,984 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$25,030 (2019) → $38,459 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Ardmore or Lawton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Lawton?
Should I relocate from Ardmore to Lawton as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Ardmore 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