Bartlesville vs Tulsa: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bartlesville, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bartlesville, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,958 | $41,741▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.21 | $20.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,655 | $36,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,997 | $37,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,334▲ | $46,234 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,659▲ | $51,376 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bartlesville.
The salary gap between Bartlesville and Tulsa is $1,783 (4.46%). Tulsa's median is -12.54% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlesville spans $28,004,Tulsa spans $14,787. Bartlesville 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, Tulsa ($46,787 effective) pays 4.09% more than Bartlesville ($44,947 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bartlesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,659)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,741/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,787)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bartlesville grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Bartlesville, OK
$33,142 (2024) → $38,340 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$31,320 (2019) → $40,051 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bartlesville, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bartlesville or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlesville and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Bartlesville to Tulsa as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bartlesville vs Tulsa?
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