Columbia vs Lexington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,203▲ | $42,536 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.25▲ | $20.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,109▲ | $33,062 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,139▲ | $35,337 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,494 | $50,150▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,577 | $57,550▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $1,667 (3.92%). Columbia's median is -7.38% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $16,468,Lexington spans $24,488. Lexington 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, Columbia ($47,194 effective) pays 1.52% more than Lexington ($46,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,203/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,194)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,550)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Columbia grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$33,090 (2019) → $42,413 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$34,571 (2024) → $40,814 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Columbia or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Columbia vs Lexington?
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