La Vista vs Lincoln: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between La Vista, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Vista, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,035 | $41,432▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.77 | $19.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,716 | $36,658▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,155 | $38,350▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,817▲ | $42,411 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,099 | $54,178▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vista.
The salary gap between La Vista and Lincoln is $2,397 (6.14%). Lincoln's median is -13.18% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Vista spans $21,383,Lincoln spans $17,520. La Vista has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($45,241 effective) pays 6.05% more than La Vista ($42,661 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Vista if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,432/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,178)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,241)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in La Vista grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
La Vista, NE
$35,785 (2024) → $37,454 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$32,760 (2019) → $39,754 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Vista, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: La Vista or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Vista and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from La Vista to Lincoln as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in La Vista vs Lincoln?
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