Elizabethtown vs Lexington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,982 | $47,174▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.22 | $22.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,416 | $37,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,826 | $38,980▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,177 | $48,345▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,390▲ | $56,699 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Lexington is $7,192 (17.99%). Lexington's median is -1.15% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $27,974,Lexington spans $19,180. Elizabethtown 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, Lexington ($50,785 effective) pays 13.43% more than Elizabethtown ($44,773 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,390)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,174/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,785)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Elizabethtown grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$34,908 (2024) → $38,363 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$34,390 (2019) → $45,264 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Elizabethtown or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Lexington as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Elizabethtown 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