Burlington vs Des Moines: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Burlington, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,907 | $45,043▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.71 | $21.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,343 | $37,900▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,123 | $38,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,624 | $48,685▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,858 | $58,369▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Des Moines is $6,136 (15.77%). Des Moines's median is -5.62% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $22,515,Des Moines spans $20,469. Burlington 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, Des Moines ($49,119 effective) pays 14.13% more than Burlington ($43,039 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,043/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,369)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,119)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Burlington grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$38,193 (2024) → $37,332 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$30,990 (2019) → $43,219 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Burlington or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Des Moines as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Burlington vs Des Moines?
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