Albuquerque vs Clovis: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Clovis, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Clovis, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,839 | $41,071▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.71 | $19.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,055 | $32,746▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,757 | $34,797▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,794 | $49,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,496 | $57,711▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Clovis, NM offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Clovis is $4,232 (11.49%). Clovis's median is -13.94% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $20,441,Clovis spans $24,965. Clovis 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, Clovis ($43,507 effective) pays 12.84% more than Albuquerque ($38,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Clovis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,071/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,711)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,507)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Albuquerque grew -3.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Clovis over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$36,720 (2019) → $35,347 (2025)
Clovis, NM
$39,444 (2024) → $39,408 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Clovis, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Albuquerque or Clovis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Clovis?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Clovis as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Albuquerque vs Clovis?
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