Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Clinton vs Hattiesburg: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Clinton, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clinton, MS
$36,101
$17.35/hr
Hattiesburg, MS
$34,337
$16.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClinton, MSHattiesburg, MS
Median Salary$36,101$34,337
Hourly Rate$17.35$16.51
Entry Level (P10)$29,647$31,116
25th Percentile$31,030$31,116
75th Percentile$42,774$35,168
Top Earner (P90)$49,186$43,122
Total Employed550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clinton ($36,101) and Hattiesburg ($34,337) sterile processing technician salaries.ClintonHattiesburgMedian Salary$36,101$34,337Entry Level (P10)$29,647$31,116Top Earner (P90)$49,186$43,122US Median $47,724

Verdict

Clinton, MS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.

The salary gap between Clinton and Hattiesburg is $1,764 (5.14%). Clinton's median is -24.35% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $19,539,Hattiesburg spans $12,006. Clinton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clinton
P10 (Entry)$29,647
P25$31,030
Median$36,101
P75$42,774
P90 (Top)$49,186
Hattiesburg
P10 (Entry)$31,116
P25$31,116
Median$34,337
P75$35,168
P90 (Top)$43,122

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton ($42,125 effective) pays 7.51% more than Hattiesburg ($39,183 effective).

Clinton
Nominal: $36,101
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $42,125
Hattiesburg
Nominal: $34,337
CoL Index: 87.633
Adjusted: $39,183

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clinton if…

  • Higher median salary ($36,101/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($49,186)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,125)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Hattiesburg if…

  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Clinton grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.

Clinton, MS

+29.3%

$26,790 (2024) → $34,639 (2025)

Hattiesburg, MS

+15.8%

$28,440 (2022) → $32,947 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Clinton or Hattiesburg?

Clinton has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $36,101/year, compared to Hattiesburg at $34,337/year — a difference of $1,764 (5.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Hattiesburg?

Clinton sterile processing technicians earn $17.35/hr while Hattiesburg hygienists earn $16.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clinton to Hattiesburg as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clinton and Hattiesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clinton = $42,125, Hattiesburg = $39,183), job availability (5 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Clinton vs Hattiesburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $29,647 in Clinton and $31,116 in Hattiesburg. The Hattiesburg area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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