Anniston vs Birmingham: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Anniston, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anniston, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,497 | $36,258▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.58 | $17.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,062 | $34,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $29,458 | $35,038▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,691 | $42,102▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,704 | $48,545▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Anniston.
The salary gap between Anniston and Birmingham is $1,761 (5.10%). Birmingham's median is -24.03% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anniston spans $18,642,Birmingham spans $14,378. Anniston 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, Birmingham ($39,564 effective) pays 0.81% more than Anniston ($39,246 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anniston if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,258/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,545)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,564)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Anniston grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Anniston, AL
$30,446 (2024) → $33,100 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$30,370 (2019) → $34,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anniston, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Anniston or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anniston and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Anniston to Birmingham as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Anniston vs Birmingham?
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