Gulfport vs Pearl: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Gulfport, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,450 | $38,892▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.49 | $18.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,235 | $30,341▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,418▲ | $32,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,692 | $46,490▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,115 | $54,154▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pearl, MS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Pearl is $442 (1.15%). Pearl's median is -18.51% 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,Pearl spans $23,813. Pearl 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, Pearl ($45,382 effective) pays 6.23% more than Gulfport ($42,719 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,892/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,154)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,382)
- ✓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 Pearl over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$30,300 (2020) → $36,893 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$28,862 (2024) → $37,317 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Gulfport or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Pearl?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Pearl as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Gulfport vs Pearl?
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