Overland Park vs Topeka: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Overland Park, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Overland Park, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,327▲ | $42,048 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.35▲ | $20.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,584▲ | $29,944 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,828 | $35,771▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,057 | $52,993▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,008▲ | $64,009 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Topeka is $279 (0.66%). Overland Park's median is -11.31% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Overland Park spans $34,424,Topeka spans $34,065. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($46,564 effective) pays 0.66% more than Topeka ($46,257 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,008)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,564)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Overland Park grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$36,954 (2024) → $40,613 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$35,400 (2020) → $40,345 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Overland Park or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Overland Park and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Overland Park to Topeka as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Overland Park vs Topeka?
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