Gardner vs Olathe: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Gardner, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,620 | $41,788▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.57 | $20.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,269 | $32,633▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,597 | $35,244▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,955 | $50,746▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,552 | $63,090▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Olathe is $3,168 (8.20%). Olathe's median is -12.44% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $22,283,Olathe spans $30,457. Olathe 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, Olathe ($45,971 effective) pays 8.20% more than Gardner ($42,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,788/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,090)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,971)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Gardner grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$33,718 (2024) → $37,056 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$36,484 (2024) → $40,096 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Gardner or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gardner and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Gardner to Olathe as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Gardner vs Olathe?
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