Lexington vs Paducah: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,174▲ | $44,073 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.68▲ | $21.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,519▲ | $36,649 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,980 | $43,233▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,345 | $55,909▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,699▲ | $55,909 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $3,101 (7.04%). Lexington's median is -1.15% 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,Paducah spans $19,260. Paducah 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, Paducah ($51,198 effective) pays 0.81% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,174/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,699)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,198)
- ✓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 13.0% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$34,390 (2019) → $45,264 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$37,430 (2024) → $42,288 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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