Greenville vs Lexington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Greenville, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,745▲ | $42,536 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.43▲ | $20.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,950▲ | $33,062 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,251▲ | $35,337 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,745 | $50,150▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,960▲ | $57,550 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Greenville and Lexington is $6,209 (14.60%). Greenville's median is +2.14% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $20,010,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, Greenville ($52,268 effective) pays 12.43% 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 Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,745/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,960)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,268)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Greenville grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$34,370 (2019) → $46,771 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$34,571 (2024) → $40,814 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Greenville or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Lexington as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Greenville 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