Hattiesburg vs Southaven: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,337 | $38,624▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.51 | $18.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,116▲ | $30,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,116 | $32,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $35,168 | $46,449▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,122 | $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 Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Southaven is $4,287 (12.49%). 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 Hattiesburg spans $12,006,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 15.02% more than Hattiesburg ($39,183 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg grew 15.8% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Southaven over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$28,440 (2022) → $32,947 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$28,663 (2024) → $37,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hattiesburg or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Southaven as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hattiesburg 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