Morgantown vs South Charleston: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Morgantown, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,941 | $37,962▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.24 | $18.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,751▲ | $30,592 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,515▲ | $32,206 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,940▲ | $44,580 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,245▲ | $51,076 |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Morgantown and South Charleston are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $21 (0.06%). South Charleston's median is -20.46% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $24,494,South Charleston spans $20,484. Morgantown 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, South Charleston ($43,887 effective) pays 0.06% more than Morgantown ($43,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,245)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,962/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,887)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Morgantown grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$29,910 (2019) → $36,405 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$28,173 (2024) → $36,425 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Morgantown or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to South Charleston as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Morgantown vs South Charleston?
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