Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Clovis vs Farmington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Clovis, NM and Farmington, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clovis, NM
$41,071
$19.75/hr
Farmington, NM
$36,739
$17.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClovis, NMFarmington, NM
Median Salary$41,071$36,739
Hourly Rate$19.75$17.67
Entry Level (P10)$32,746$29,715
25th Percentile$34,797$31,126
75th Percentile$49,538$36,739
Top Earner (P90)$57,711$42,982
Total Employed740
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clovis ($41,071) and Farmington ($36,739) sterile processing technician salaries.ClovisFarmingtonMedian Salary$41,071$36,739Entry Level (P10)$32,746$29,715Top Earner (P90)$57,711$42,982US Median $47,724

Verdict

Clovis, NM offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.

The salary gap between Clovis and Farmington is $4,332 (11.79%). 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 Clovis spans $24,965,Farmington spans $13,267. Clovis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clovis
P10 (Entry)$32,746
P25$34,797
Median$41,071
P75$49,538
P90 (Top)$57,711
Farmington
P10 (Entry)$29,715
P25$31,126
Median$36,739
P75$36,739
P90 (Top)$42,982

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Clovis ($43,507 effective) pays 3.87% more than Farmington ($41,888 effective).

Clovis
Nominal: $41,071
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $43,507
Farmington
Nominal: $36,739
CoL Index: 87.707
Adjusted: $41,888

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Farmington if…

  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Clovis grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.9% growth in Farmington over the same period.

Clovis, NM

+-0.1%

$39,444 (2024) → $39,408 (2025)

Farmington, NM

+-13.9%

$40,936 (2024) → $35,251 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Clovis or Farmington?

Clovis has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $41,071/year, compared to Farmington at $36,739/year — a difference of $4,332 (11.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clovis and Farmington?

Clovis sterile processing technicians earn $19.75/hr while Farmington hygienists earn $17.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clovis to Farmington as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clovis and Farmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clovis = $43,507, Farmington = $41,888), job availability (7 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Clovis vs Farmington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $32,746 in Clovis and $29,715 in Farmington. The Clovis area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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