Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Deming vs Farmington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Deming, NM
$40,353
$19.40/hr
Farmington, NM
$36,739
$17.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDeming, NMFarmington, NM
Median Salary$40,353$36,739
Hourly Rate$19.40$17.67
Entry Level (P10)$33,958$29,715
25th Percentile$35,409$31,126
75th Percentile$48,491$36,739
Top Earner (P90)$56,078$42,982
Total Employed440
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Deming ($40,353) and Farmington ($36,739) sterile processing technician salaries.DemingFarmingtonMedian Salary$40,353$36,739Entry Level (P10)$33,958$29,715Top Earner (P90)$56,078$42,982US Median $47,724

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Deming and Farmington is $3,614 (9.84%). Deming's median is -15.45% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Deming spans $22,120,Farmington spans $13,267. Deming has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Deming
P10 (Entry)$33,958
P25$35,409
Median$40,353
P75$48,491
P90 (Top)$56,078
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, Deming ($42,747 effective) pays 2.05% more than Farmington ($41,888 effective).

Deming
Nominal: $40,353
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $42,747
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 Deming if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,353/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($56,078)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,747)
  • 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 Deming grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.9% growth in Farmington over the same period.

Deming, NM

+-0.1%

$38,755 (2024) → $38,719 (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: Deming or Farmington?

Deming has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $40,353/year, compared to Farmington at $36,739/year — a difference of $3,614 (9.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Deming and Farmington?

Deming sterile processing technicians earn $19.40/hr while Farmington hygienists earn $17.67/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Deming and Farmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Deming = $42,747, Farmington = $41,888), job availability (4 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $33,958 in Deming and $29,715 in Farmington. The Deming 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