Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,174 | $48,825▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.68 | $23.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,519▲ | $35,358 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,980▲ | $38,230 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,345 | $59,681▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,699 | $60,441▲ |
| Total Employed | 250 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $1,651 (3.50%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $19,180,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $25,083. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($52,458 effective) pays 3.29% more than Lexington ($50,785 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,825/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,441)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,458)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Lexington grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.8% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$34,390 (2019) → $45,264 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$31,910 (2019) → $46,848 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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