Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lexington, SC: $42,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lexington, SC earns a median $42,536/year (≈ $20.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $46,487 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Lexington, South Carolina, is projected to be $42,536, which reflects a notable 10.87% decrease compared to the national median of $47,724. Salary ranges in Lexington vary significantly, from the tenth percentile at $33,062 to the ninetieth percentile at $57,550, indicating a competitive landscape for those skilled in endoscope reprocessing—a growing subspecialty known for its premium pay. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living and local market conditions. The increasing demand for certified professionals, particularly those with credentials like CRCST and CIS, suggests that Lexington’s sterile processing technicians will have access to more lucrative opportunities, provided they adapt to the industry's evolving standards.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,062 | $15.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,337 | $16.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,536 | $20.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,150 | $24.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,550 | $27.67 |
Median Salary Position
10.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,488 (2026 est.). At $42,536, the local median is 10.87% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lexington median: $42,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $45,012 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.87% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lexington, SC earn a median of $42,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.87% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $45,012.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,487 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,035
2025 BLS Actual
$40,814
2026 Current Est.
$42,536
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,199 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,814 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,331 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,035 (2019) to $40,814 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,331 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,296 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,062 – $35,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,337 – $42,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,536 – $50,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,150 – $57,550 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Lexington
In Lexington, there are currently five sterile processing technicians employed, which underscores a niche market that may present unique job security challenges and opportunities. The region's cost of living index, at 91.5, suggests that technicians will enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to their salaries, yet they may need to be strategic about their employment choices to reach higher pay brackets. Hospitals typically offer better compensation than ambulatory surgery centers or specialty practices; however, roles in third-party sterilization services can sometimes exceed typical ranges. Factors influencing salary variations include shift differentials, particularly for evening and overnight shifts, as well as possessing multiple certifications. To maximize earnings within this local market, technicians should focus on gaining and maintaining advanced credentials and consider pursuing supervisory roles, which often come with enhanced pay, reflecting the industry's growing complexity and specialization needs.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Lexington?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,814 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lexington metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lexington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov