Beckley vs Huntington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Beckley, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beckley, WV | Huntington, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,920 | $46,193▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.75 | $22.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,135 | $37,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,327 | $40,841▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,992 | $49,886▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,379 | $62,452▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Beckley.
The salary gap between Beckley and Huntington is $9,273 (25.12%). Huntington's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beckley spans $21,244,Huntington spans $25,013. Huntington 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, Huntington ($52,242 effective) pays 22.40% more than Beckley ($42,682 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beckley if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,193/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,452)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,242)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Beckley grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Huntington over the same period.
Beckley, WV
$27,399 (2024) → $35,425 (2025)
Huntington, WV
$38,220 (2021) → $44,323 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beckley, WV
Huntington, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Beckley or Huntington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Huntington?
Should I relocate from Beckley to Huntington as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Beckley vs Huntington?
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