Burlington vs Davenport: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Burlington, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,907 | $39,951▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.71 | $19.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,343 | $34,248▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,123 | $38,659▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,624 | $46,994▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,858▲ | $53,138 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Davenport is $1,044 (2.68%). Davenport's median is -16.29% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $22,515,Davenport spans $18,890. Burlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($44,849 effective) pays 4.21% more than Burlington ($43,039 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,858)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,951/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,849)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Burlington grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$38,193 (2024) → $37,332 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$36,600 (2021) → $38,333 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Burlington or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Davenport as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Burlington vs Davenport?
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