Davenport vs Dubuque: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Davenport, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,951 | $41,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.21 | $19.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,248▲ | $31,217 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,659▲ | $33,876 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,994 | $50,727▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,138 | $60,304▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Dubuque, IA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Dubuque is $1,052 (2.63%). Dubuque's median is -14.08% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $18,890,Dubuque spans $29,087. Dubuque 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, Dubuque ($45,357 effective) pays 1.13% more than Davenport ($44,849 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,304)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,357)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Davenport grew 4.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$36,600 (2021) → $38,333 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$40,249 (2024) → $39,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Davenport or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Dubuque as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Davenport vs Dubuque?
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