Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Atlanta vs Savannah: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Atlanta, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$49,456
$23.78/hr
Savannah, GA
$43,672
$21.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GASavannah, GA
Median Salary$49,456$43,672
Hourly Rate$23.78$21.00
Entry Level (P10)$39,901$39,080
25th Percentile$45,943$39,520
75th Percentile$60,591$48,965
Top Earner (P90)$65,033$51,337
Total Employed1,060120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($49,456) and Savannah ($43,672) sterile processing technician salaries.AtlantaSavannahMedian Salary$49,456$43,672Entry Level (P10)$39,901$39,080Top Earner (P90)$65,033$51,337US Median $47,724

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Savannah.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Savannah is $5,784 (13.24%). Atlanta's median is +3.63% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $25,132,Savannah spans $12,257. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$39,901
P25$45,943
Median$49,456
P75$60,591
P90 (Top)$65,033
Savannah
P10 (Entry)$39,080
P25$39,520
Median$43,672
P75$48,965
P90 (Top)$51,337

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($49,427 effective) pays 7.75% more than Savannah ($45,871 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $49,456
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $49,427
Savannah
Nominal: $43,672
CoL Index: 95.206
Adjusted: $45,871

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,456/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,033)
  • Larger job market (1,060 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,427)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Savannah if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Atlanta grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Savannah over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+28.5%

$36,940 (2019) → $47,453 (2025)

Savannah, GA

+36.5%

$30,710 (2019) → $41,904 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Atlanta or Savannah?

Atlanta has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,456/year, compared to Savannah at $43,672/year — a difference of $5,784 (13.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Savannah?

Atlanta sterile processing technicians earn $23.78/hr while Savannah hygienists earn $21.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Savannah as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Savannah. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $49,427, Savannah = $45,871), job availability (1,060 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Atlanta vs Savannah?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $39,901 in Atlanta and $39,080 in Savannah. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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