Louisville vs Owensboro: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Louisville, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,604▲ | $41,247 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.45▲ | $19.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,483▲ | $31,197 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,302▲ | $33,891 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,868▲ | $49,923 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,725▲ | $58,979 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Louisville and Owensboro is $3,357 (8.14%). Louisville's median is -6.54% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $36,242,Owensboro spans $27,782. Louisville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($49,948 effective) pays 8.14% more than Owensboro ($46,189 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,604/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,725)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,948)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Louisville grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$38,943 (2024) → $42,798 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$36,012 (2024) → $39,577 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Louisville or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Owensboro as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Louisville vs Owensboro?
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