Cottonwood Heights vs Provo: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Cottonwood Heights, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottonwood Heights, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,194 | $48,005▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.25 | $23.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,075 | $38,559▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,621 | $43,052▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,410 | $58,219▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,327▲ | $59,631 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Provo, UT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottonwood Heights.
The salary gap between Cottonwood Heights and Provo is $3,811 (8.62%). Provo's median is +0.59% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights spans $28,252,Provo spans $21,072. Cottonwood Heights 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, Provo ($48,869 effective) pays 8.48% more than Cottonwood Heights ($45,050 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottonwood Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,327)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,005/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,869)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Cottonwood Heights grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Provo over the same period.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
$42,444 (2024) → $42,405 (2025)
Provo, UT
$40,610 (2022) → $46,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Cottonwood Heights or Provo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottonwood Heights and Provo?
Should I relocate from Cottonwood Heights to Provo as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Cottonwood Heights vs Provo?
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