Lawton vs Shawnee: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Lawton, OK and Shawnee, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Shawnee, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,082▲ | $39,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.27▲ | $19.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,799▲ | $29,787 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,169 | $34,639▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,748▲ | $47,326 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,372▲ | $57,375 |
| Total Employed | 13▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.
The salary gap between Lawton and Shawnee is $500 (1.26%). Lawton's median is -16.01% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $27,573,Shawnee spans $27,588. Shawnee 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, Lawton ($45,087 effective) pays 1.26% more than Shawnee ($44,524 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,082/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,372)
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,087)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Lawton grew 53.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Shawnee over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$25,030 (2019) → $38,459 (2025)
Shawnee, OK
$32,830 (2024) → $37,979 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Shawnee, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Lawton or Shawnee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Shawnee?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Shawnee as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Lawton vs Shawnee?
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