Columbia vs Fort Mill: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Columbia, SC and Fort Mill, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Fort Mill, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,203▲ | $43,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.25▲ | $20.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,109▲ | $35,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,139▲ | $37,036 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,494 | $52,068▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,577 | $60,205▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Mill.
The salary gap between Columbia and Fort Mill is $857 (1.98%). Columbia's median is -7.38% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $16,468,Fort Mill spans $24,915. Fort Mill 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, Fort Mill ($47,373 effective) pays 0.38% more than Columbia ($47,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,203/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Mill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,205)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,373)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Columbia grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Fort Mill over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$33,090 (2019) → $42,413 (2025)
Fort Mill, SC
$35,228 (2024) → $41,591 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Fort Mill, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Columbia or Fort Mill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Fort Mill?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Fort Mill as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Columbia vs Fort Mill?
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