Charleston vs Morgantown: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Charleston, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,634▲ | $37,941 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.94▲ | $18.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,098▲ | $30,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,829▲ | $32,515 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,024 | $46,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,996 | $55,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Charleston and Morgantown is $7,693 (20.28%). Charleston's median is -4.38% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $16,898,Morgantown spans $24,494. Morgantown 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, Charleston ($51,438 effective) pays 17.27% more than Morgantown ($43,862 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 ($45,634/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,438)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,245)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Charleston grew 37.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$31,790 (2019) → $43,786 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$29,910 (2019) → $36,405 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Charleston or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Morgantown as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Charleston vs Morgantown?
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