Springfield vs St. Charles: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Charles, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Charles, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,150 | $45,916▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.34 | $22.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,458▲ | $34,952 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,108 | $37,895▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,074 | $55,813▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,874 | $65,817▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 16 |
Verdict
St. Charles, MO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Charles is $7,766 (20.36%). St. Charles's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $12,416,St. Charles spans $30,865. St. Charles 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, St. Charles ($51,246 effective) pays 18.99% more than Springfield ($43,066 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,916/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,817)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,246)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Springfield grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in St. Charles over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$30,700 (2019) → $36,605 (2025)
St. Charles, MO
$36,241 (2024) → $44,057 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Charles, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Springfield or St. Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Charles?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Charles as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Springfield vs St. Charles?
Related Comparisons
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