Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Durant vs Tulsa: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Durant, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Durant, OK
$38,131
$18.33/hr
Tulsa, OK
$41,741
$20.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDurant, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$38,131$41,741
Hourly Rate$18.33$20.07
Entry Level (P10)$32,473$36,589
25th Percentile$33,618$37,830
75th Percentile$44,619$46,234
Top Earner (P90)$53,139$51,376
Total Employed5220
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Durant ($38,131) and Tulsa ($41,741) sterile processing technician salaries.DurantTulsaMedian Salary$38,131$41,741Entry Level (P10)$32,473$36,589Top Earner (P90)$53,139$51,376US Median $47,724

Verdict

Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durant.

The salary gap between Durant and Tulsa is $3,610 (9.47%). Tulsa's median is -12.54% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durant spans $20,666,Tulsa spans $14,787. Durant has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Durant
P10 (Entry)$32,473
P25$33,618
Median$38,131
P75$44,619
P90 (Top)$53,139
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$36,589
P25$37,830
Median$41,741
P75$46,234
P90 (Top)$51,376

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($46,787 effective) pays 9.08% more than Durant ($42,892 effective).

Durant
Nominal: $38,131
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $42,892
Tulsa
Nominal: $41,741
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $46,787

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Durant if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($53,139)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,741/year)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,787)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Durant grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Durant, OK

+15.7%

$31,627 (2024) → $36,587 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+27.9%

$31,320 (2019) → $40,051 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Durant or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $41,741/year, compared to Durant at $38,131/year — a difference of $3,610 (9.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Durant and Tulsa?

Durant sterile processing technicians earn $18.33/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $20.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Durant to Tulsa as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Durant and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Durant = $42,892, Tulsa = $46,787), job availability (5 vs 220 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Durant vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $32,473 in Durant and $36,589 in Tulsa. The Tulsa 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