Jackson vs Olive Branch: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Jackson, MS and Olive Branch, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Olive Branch, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,209▲ | $37,149 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.88▲ | $17.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,577▲ | $29,398 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,127▲ | $31,311 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,490 | $45,394▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,423 | $52,033▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olive Branch.
The salary gap between Jackson and Olive Branch is $60 (0.16%). Jackson's median is -22.03% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $13,846,Olive Branch spans $22,635. Olive Branch 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, Olive Branch ($43,348 effective) pays 3.74% more than Jackson ($41,785 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,209/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Olive Branch if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,033)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,348)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Jackson grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$29,690 (2019) → $35,702 (2025)
Olive Branch, MS
$27,569 (2024) → $35,645 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Olive Branch, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Jackson or Olive Branch?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Olive Branch?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Olive Branch as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Jackson vs Olive Branch?
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