Florence vs Tega Cay: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Florence, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florence, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,926 | $41,547▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.87 | $19.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,926 | $34,312▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,926 | $35,885▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $36,158 | $49,420▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $36,158 | $56,769▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Tega Cay, SC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.
The salary gap between Florence and Tega Cay is $10,621 (34.34%). Tega Cay's median is -12.94% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $5,232,Tega Cay spans $22,457. Tega Cay 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, Tega Cay ($45,407 effective) pays 27.40% more than Florence ($35,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,547/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,769)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,407)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Florence grew -0.3% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
Florence, SC
$29,770 (2023) → $29,674 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$33,767 (2024) → $39,865 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Florence, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Florence or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Florence and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from Florence to Tega Cay as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Florence vs Tega Cay?
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