Lafayette vs Shreveport: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Lafayette, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,949▲ | $35,849 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.77▲ | $17.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,744▲ | $27,614 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,986▲ | $30,485 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,511▲ | $38,370 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,150▲ | $45,213 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Shreveport is $1,100 (3.07%). Lafayette's median is -22.58% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $30,406,Shreveport spans $17,599. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($42,368 effective) pays 0.18% more than Shreveport ($42,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,150)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,368)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Lafayette grew -2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$36,320 (2024) → $35,453 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$29,640 (2020) → $34,397 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Lafayette or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Shreveport as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Lafayette vs Shreveport?
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