Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,043▲ | $44,461 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.65▲ | $21.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,900▲ | $34,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,130▲ | $36,557 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,685 | $54,881▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,369 | $65,126▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $582 (1.31%). 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 Des Moines spans $20,469,West Des Moines spans $30,166. West 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, West Des Moines ($49,183 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($49,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,043/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,126)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,183)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Des Moines grew 39.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$30,990 (2019) → $43,219 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$38,869 (2024) → $42,661 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Des Moines vs West 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