Ashland vs Louisville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,750▲ | $44,604 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.48▲ | $21.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,910▲ | $31,483 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,253▲ | $35,302 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,509 | $55,868▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,885 | $67,725▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Ashland and Louisville are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville is $2,146 (4.81%). Ashland's median is -2.04% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $26,975,Louisville spans $36,242. Louisville 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, Ashland ($52,352 effective) pays 4.81% more than Louisville ($49,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,750/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,352)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,725)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Ashland grew 32.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$33,981 (2024) → $44,857 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$38,943 (2024) → $42,798 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Ashland or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Ashland vs Louisville?
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