Hickory vs Winston: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hickory, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,282 | $45,153▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.33 | $21.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,829 | $39,510▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,829 | $40,431▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,164 | $48,225▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,149 | $60,641▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Hickory and Winston is $2,871 (6.79%). Winston's median is -5.39% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hickory spans $19,320,Winston spans $21,131. Winston 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, Winston ($49,056 effective) pays 2.66% more than Hickory ($47,784 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,153/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,641)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,056)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Hickory grew 42.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Winston over the same period.
Hickory, NC
$28,440 (2020) → $40,570 (2025)
Winston, NC
$33,130 (2019) → $43,325 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hickory, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hickory or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hickory and Winston?
Should I relocate from Hickory to Winston as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hickory vs Winston?
Related Comparisons
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