Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Anniston vs Mobile: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Anniston, AL
$34,497
$16.58/hr
Mobile, AL
$34,268
$16.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnniston, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$34,497$34,268
Hourly Rate$16.58$16.48
Entry Level (P10)$28,062$30,196
25th Percentile$29,458$31,356
75th Percentile$40,691$38,309
Top Earner (P90)$46,704$45,413
Total Employed490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anniston ($34,497) and Mobile ($34,268) sterile processing technician salaries.AnnistonMobileMedian Salary$34,497$34,268Entry Level (P10)$28,062$30,196Top Earner (P90)$46,704$45,413US Median $47,724

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Anniston and Mobile is $229 (0.67%). Anniston's median is -27.72% 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,Mobile spans $15,217. Anniston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Anniston
P10 (Entry)$28,062
P25$29,458
Median$34,497
P75$40,691
P90 (Top)$46,704
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$30,196
P25$31,356
Median$34,268
P75$38,309
P90 (Top)$45,413

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Anniston ($39,246 effective) pays 0.90% more than Mobile ($38,898 effective).

Anniston
Nominal: $34,497
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $39,246
Mobile
Nominal: $34,268
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $38,898

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anniston if…

  • Higher median salary ($34,497/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($46,704)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,246)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • 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 16.2% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Anniston, AL

+8.7%

$30,446 (2024) → $33,100 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+16.2%

$28,300 (2019) → $32,880 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Anniston or Mobile?

Anniston has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $34,497/year, compared to Mobile at $34,268/year — a difference of $229 (0.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anniston and Mobile?

Anniston sterile processing technicians earn $16.58/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $16.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anniston to Mobile as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anniston and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anniston = $39,246, Mobile = $38,898), job availability (4 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Anniston vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $28,062 in Anniston and $30,196 in Mobile. The Mobile 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