Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Cheyenne vs Gillette: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Gillette, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cheyenne, WY
$44,497
$21.40/hr
Gillette, WY
$42,555
$20.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCheyenne, WYGillette, WY
Median Salary$44,497$42,555
Hourly Rate$21.40$20.46
Entry Level (P10)$32,391$33,766
25th Percentile$38,283$35,934
75th Percentile$55,647$52,064
Top Earner (P90)$66,381$59,711
Total Employed139
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cheyenne ($44,497) and Gillette ($42,555) sterile processing technician salaries.CheyenneGilletteMedian Salary$44,497$42,555Entry Level (P10)$32,391$33,766Top Earner (P90)$66,381$59,711US Median $47,724

Verdict

Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gillette.

The salary gap between Cheyenne and Gillette is $1,942 (4.56%). Cheyenne's median is -6.76% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $33,990,Gillette spans $25,945. Cheyenne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cheyenne
P10 (Entry)$32,391
P25$38,283
Median$44,497
P75$55,647
P90 (Top)$66,381
Gillette
P10 (Entry)$33,766
P25$35,934
Median$42,555
P75$52,064
P90 (Top)$59,711

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cheyenne ($46,448 effective) pays 4.56% more than Gillette ($44,421 effective).

Cheyenne
Nominal: $44,497
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $46,448
Gillette
Nominal: $42,555
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $44,421

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cheyenne if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,497/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,381)
  • Larger job market (13 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,448)
  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Choose Gillette if…

  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cheyenne grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Gillette over the same period.

Cheyenne, WY

+2.2%

$41,756 (2024) → $42,695 (2025)

Gillette, WY

+2.2%

$39,934 (2024) → $40,832 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cheyenne or Gillette?

Cheyenne has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $44,497/year, compared to Gillette at $42,555/year — a difference of $1,942 (4.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Gillette?

Cheyenne sterile processing technicians earn $21.40/hr while Gillette hygienists earn $20.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cheyenne to Gillette as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cheyenne and Gillette. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cheyenne = $46,448, Gillette = $44,421), job availability (13 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Cheyenne vs Gillette?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $32,391 in Cheyenne and $33,766 in Gillette. The Gillette 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