Huntington vs Martinsburg: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Huntington, WV and Martinsburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Martinsburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,193 | $47,889▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.21 | $23.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,439▲ | $37,228 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,841▲ | $39,788 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,886 | $56,464▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,452 | $64,800▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Martinsburg, WV offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntington.
The salary gap between Huntington and Martinsburg is $1,696 (3.67%). Martinsburg's median is +0.35% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $25,013,Martinsburg spans $27,572. Martinsburg 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, Martinsburg ($55,363 effective) pays 5.98% more than Huntington ($52,242 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Martinsburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,889/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,800)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,363)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Huntington grew 16.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 65.4% growth in Martinsburg over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$38,220 (2021) → $44,323 (2025)
Martinsburg, WV
$27,781 (2024) → $45,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Martinsburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Huntington or Martinsburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and Martinsburg?
Should I relocate from Huntington to Martinsburg as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Huntington vs Martinsburg?
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