Charleston vs Tega Cay: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Charleston, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,914▲ | $41,547 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.55▲ | $19.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,807▲ | $34,312 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,522▲ | $35,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,376▲ | $49,420 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,940▲ | $56,769 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tega Cay.
The salary gap between Charleston and Tega Cay is $5,367 (12.92%). Charleston's median is -1.70% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $23,133,Tega Cay spans $22,457. Charleston 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, Charleston ($46,467 effective) pays 2.34% more than Tega Cay ($45,407 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,914/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,940)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,467)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Charleston grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$35,990 (2019) → $45,014 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$33,767 (2024) → $39,865 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Charleston or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Tega Cay as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Charleston vs Tega Cay?
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