Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Albertville vs Montgomery: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Albertville, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albertville, AL
$34,343
$16.51/hr
Montgomery, AL
$36,939
$17.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbertville, ALMontgomery, AL
Median Salary$34,343$36,939
Hourly Rate$16.51$17.76
Entry Level (P10)$27,670$30,396
25th Percentile$30,482$31,806
75th Percentile$40,326$38,620
Top Earner (P90)$46,202$42,842
Total Employed4180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albertville ($34,343) and Montgomery ($36,939) sterile processing technician salaries.AlbertvilleMontgomeryMedian Salary$34,343$36,939Entry Level (P10)$27,670$30,396Top Earner (P90)$46,202$42,842US Median $47,724

Verdict

Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albertville.

The salary gap between Albertville and Montgomery is $2,596 (7.56%). Montgomery's median is -22.60% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albertville spans $18,532,Montgomery spans $12,446. Albertville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albertville
P10 (Entry)$27,670
P25$30,482
Median$34,343
P75$40,326
P90 (Top)$46,202
Montgomery
P10 (Entry)$30,396
P25$31,806
Median$36,939
P75$38,620
P90 (Top)$42,842

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Montgomery ($41,189 effective) pays 5.42% more than Albertville ($39,071 effective).

Albertville
Nominal: $34,343
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $39,071
Montgomery
Nominal: $36,939
CoL Index: 89.682
Adjusted: $41,189

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albertville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($46,202)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Montgomery if…

  • Higher median salary ($36,939/year)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,189)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Albertville grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Montgomery over the same period.

Albertville, AL

+8.7%

$30,311 (2024) → $32,952 (2025)

Montgomery, AL

+19.1%

$29,770 (2019) → $35,443 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Albertville or Montgomery?

Montgomery has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $36,939/year, compared to Albertville at $34,343/year — a difference of $2,596 (7.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albertville and Montgomery?

Albertville sterile processing technicians earn $16.51/hr while Montgomery hygienists earn $17.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albertville to Montgomery as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albertville and Montgomery. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albertville = $39,071, Montgomery = $41,189), job availability (4 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Albertville vs Montgomery?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $27,670 in Albertville and $30,396 in Montgomery. The Montgomery area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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