Farmington vs Gallup: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Farmington, NM and Gallup, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Gallup, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,739 | $40,210▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.67 | $19.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,715 | $33,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,126 | $35,109▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $36,739 | $49,008▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $42,982 | $55,613▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Gallup, NM offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Farmington and Gallup is $3,471 (9.45%). Gallup's median is -15.74% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $13,267,Gallup spans $21,841. Gallup 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, Gallup ($42,595 effective) pays 1.69% more than Farmington ($41,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Gallup if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,613)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,595)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Farmington grew -13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Gallup over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$40,936 (2024) → $35,251 (2025)
Gallup, NM
$38,617 (2024) → $38,582 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Gallup, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Farmington or Gallup?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Gallup?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Gallup as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Farmington vs Gallup?
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