Gulfport vs Southaven: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Gulfport, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,450 | $38,624▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.49 | $18.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,235 | $30,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,418▲ | $32,907 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,692 | $46,449▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,115 | $54,728▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Southaven is $174 (0.45%). Southaven's median is -19.07% 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,Southaven spans $23,953. Southaven 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, Southaven ($45,069 effective) pays 5.50% 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 Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,624/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,728)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,069)
- ✓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 Southaven over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$30,300 (2020) → $36,893 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$28,663 (2024) → $37,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Gulfport or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Southaven as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Gulfport vs Southaven?
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