Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Jackson vs Oxford: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Jackson, MS and Oxford, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, MS
$37,209
$17.88/hr
Oxford, MS
$37,460
$18.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, MSOxford, MS
Median Salary$37,209$37,460
Hourly Rate$17.88$18.01
Entry Level (P10)$31,577$30,108
25th Percentile$32,127$31,946
75th Percentile$39,490$46,163
Top Earner (P90)$45,423$52,969
Total Employed1105
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($37,209) and Oxford ($37,460) sterile processing technician salaries.JacksonOxfordMedian Salary$37,209$37,460Entry Level (P10)$31,577$30,108Top Earner (P90)$45,423$52,969US Median $47,724

Verdict

Oxford, MS offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Jackson and Oxford is $251 (0.67%). Oxford's median is -21.51% 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,Oxford spans $22,861. Oxford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$31,577
P25$32,127
Median$37,209
P75$39,490
P90 (Top)$45,423
Oxford
P10 (Entry)$30,108
P25$31,946
Median$37,460
P75$46,163
P90 (Top)$52,969

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oxford ($43,711 effective) pays 4.61% more than Jackson ($41,785 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $37,209
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $41,785
Oxford
Nominal: $37,460
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $43,711

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Oxford if…

  • Higher median salary ($37,460/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($52,969)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,711)
  • 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 Oxford over the same period.

Jackson, MS

+20.2%

$29,690 (2019) → $35,702 (2025)

Oxford, MS

+29.3%

$27,799 (2024) → $35,943 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Jackson or Oxford?

Oxford has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $37,460/year, compared to Jackson at $37,209/year — a difference of $251 (0.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Oxford?

Jackson sterile processing technicians earn $17.88/hr while Oxford hygienists earn $18.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Oxford as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Oxford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $41,785, Oxford = $43,711), job availability (110 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Jackson vs Oxford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $31,577 in Jackson and $30,108 in Oxford. The Jackson area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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