Florence vs Huntsville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Florence, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florence, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,688 | $35,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.68 | $17.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,708 | $31,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,166 | $35,088▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,541 | $43,433▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,066▲ | $45,693 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.
The salary gap between Florence and Huntsville is $920 (2.65%). Huntsville's median is -25.39% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $21,358,Huntsville spans $14,257. Florence 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, Florence ($39,463 effective) pays 3.15% more than Huntsville ($38,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,066)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,463)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($35,608/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Florence grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Florence, AL
$30,615 (2024) → $33,283 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$27,040 (2019) → $34,166 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Florence, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Florence or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Florence and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Florence to Huntsville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Florence vs Huntsville?
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