Davenport vs Des Moines: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Davenport, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,951 | $45,043▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.21 | $21.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,248 | $37,900▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,659▲ | $38,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,994 | $48,685▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,138 | $58,369▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Des Moines is $5,092 (12.75%). 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 Davenport spans $18,890,Des Moines spans $20,469. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($49,119 effective) pays 9.52% more than Davenport ($44,849 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport 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 Davenport grew 4.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 39.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$36,600 (2021) → $38,333 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$30,990 (2019) → $43,219 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Davenport or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Des Moines as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Davenport 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