Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Ardmore vs Oklahoma City: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Ardmore, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ardmore, OK
$38,545
$18.53/hr
Oklahoma City, OK
$45,813
$22.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricArdmore, OKOklahoma City, OK
Median Salary$38,545$45,813
Hourly Rate$18.53$22.02
Entry Level (P10)$30,355$35,899
25th Percentile$32,499$37,549
75th Percentile$47,111$51,026
Top Earner (P90)$55,370$58,620
Total Employed7320
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ardmore ($38,545) and Oklahoma City ($45,813) sterile processing technician salaries.ArdmoreOklahoma CityMedian Salary$38,545$45,813Entry Level (P10)$30,355$35,899Top Earner (P90)$55,370$58,620US Median $47,724

Verdict

Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.

The salary gap between Ardmore and Oklahoma City is $7,268 (18.86%). Oklahoma City's median is -4.00% 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,Oklahoma City spans $22,721. Ardmore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Ardmore
P10 (Entry)$30,355
P25$32,499
Median$38,545
P75$47,111
P90 (Top)$55,370
Oklahoma City
P10 (Entry)$35,899
P25$37,549
Median$45,813
P75$51,026
P90 (Top)$58,620

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oklahoma City ($50,674 effective) pays 16.87% more than Ardmore ($43,358 effective).

Ardmore
Nominal: $38,545
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $43,358
Oklahoma City
Nominal: $45,813
CoL Index: 90.408
Adjusted: $50,674

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 Oklahoma City if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,813/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,620)
  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,674)
  • 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 28.3% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.

Ardmore, OK

+15.7%

$31,970 (2024) → $36,984 (2025)

Oklahoma City, OK

+28.3%

$34,250 (2019) → $43,958 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Ardmore or Oklahoma City?

Oklahoma City has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $45,813/year, compared to Ardmore at $38,545/year — a difference of $7,268 (18.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Oklahoma City?

Ardmore sterile processing technicians earn $18.53/hr while Oklahoma City hygienists earn $22.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ardmore to Oklahoma City as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ardmore and Oklahoma City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ardmore = $43,358, Oklahoma City = $50,674), job availability (7 vs 320 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Ardmore vs Oklahoma City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $30,355 in Ardmore and $35,899 in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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