Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Martinsburg vs Morgantown: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Martinsburg, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Martinsburg, WV
$47,889
$23.02/hr
Morgantown, WV
$37,941
$18.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMartinsburg, WVMorgantown, WV
Median Salary$47,889$37,941
Hourly Rate$23.02$18.24
Entry Level (P10)$37,228$30,751
25th Percentile$39,788$32,515
75th Percentile$56,464$46,940
Top Earner (P90)$64,800$55,245
Total Employed68
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Martinsburg ($47,889) and Morgantown ($37,941) sterile processing technician salaries.MartinsburgMorgantownMedian Salary$47,889$37,941Entry Level (P10)$37,228$30,751Top Earner (P90)$64,800$55,245US Median $47,724

Verdict

Martinsburg, WV offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.

The salary gap between Martinsburg and Morgantown is $9,948 (26.22%). 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 Martinsburg spans $27,572,Morgantown spans $24,494. Martinsburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Martinsburg
P10 (Entry)$37,228
P25$39,788
Median$47,889
P75$56,464
P90 (Top)$64,800
Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$30,751
P25$32,515
Median$37,941
P75$46,940
P90 (Top)$55,245

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Martinsburg ($55,363 effective) pays 26.22% more than Morgantown ($43,862 effective).

Martinsburg
Nominal: $47,889
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $55,363
Morgantown
Nominal: $37,941
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $43,862

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Larger job market (8 employed)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Martinsburg grew 65.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Morgantown over the same period.

Martinsburg, WV

+65.4%

$27,781 (2024) → $45,950 (2025)

Morgantown, WV

+21.7%

$29,910 (2019) → $36,405 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Martinsburg or Morgantown?

Martinsburg has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $47,889/year, compared to Morgantown at $37,941/year — a difference of $9,948 (26.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Martinsburg and Morgantown?

Martinsburg sterile processing technicians earn $23.02/hr while Morgantown hygienists earn $18.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Martinsburg to Morgantown as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Martinsburg and Morgantown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Martinsburg = $55,363, Morgantown = $43,862), job availability (6 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Martinsburg vs Morgantown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $37,228 in Martinsburg and $30,751 in Morgantown. The Martinsburg area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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