Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Gulfport vs Oxford: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Gulfport, MS and Oxford, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gulfport, MS
$38,450
$18.49/hr
Oxford, MS
$37,460
$18.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSOxford, MS
Median Salary$38,450$37,460
Hourly Rate$18.49$18.01
Entry Level (P10)$30,235$30,108
25th Percentile$34,418$31,946
75th Percentile$42,692$46,163
Top Earner (P90)$50,115$52,969
Total Employed505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($38,450) and Oxford ($37,460) sterile processing technician salaries.GulfportOxfordMedian Salary$38,450$37,460Entry Level (P10)$30,235$30,108Top Earner (P90)$50,115$52,969US Median $47,724

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxford.

The salary gap between Gulfport and Oxford is $990 (2.64%). Gulfport's median is -19.43% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $19,880,Oxford spans $22,861. Oxford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$30,235
P25$34,418
Median$38,450
P75$42,692
P90 (Top)$50,115
Oxford
P10 (Entry)$30,108
P25$31,946
Median$37,460
P75$46,163
P90 (Top)$52,969

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oxford ($43,711 effective) pays 2.32% more than Gulfport ($42,719 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $38,450
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $42,719
Oxford
Nominal: $37,460
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $43,711

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Higher median salary ($38,450/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Oxford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($52,969)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,711)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Gulfport grew 21.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Oxford over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+21.8%

$30,300 (2020) → $36,893 (2025)

Oxford, MS

+29.3%

$27,799 (2024) → $35,943 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Gulfport or Oxford?

Gulfport has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $38,450/year, compared to Oxford at $37,460/year — a difference of $990 (2.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Oxford?

Gulfport sterile processing technicians earn $18.49/hr while Oxford hygienists earn $18.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gulfport to Oxford as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Oxford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $42,719, Oxford = $43,711), job availability (50 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Gulfport vs Oxford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $30,235 in Gulfport and $30,108 in Oxford. The Gulfport 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