Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Augusta vs Brookhaven: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Augusta, GA
$43,202
$20.77/hr
Brookhaven, GA
$44,795
$21.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GABrookhaven, GA
Median Salary$43,202$44,795
Hourly Rate$20.77$21.53
Entry Level (P10)$34,307$33,238
25th Percentile$39,000$36,359
75th Percentile$47,874$53,788
Top Earner (P90)$55,228$67,643
Total Employed1308
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($43,202) and Brookhaven ($44,795) sterile processing technician salaries.AugustaBrookhavenMedian Salary$43,202$44,795Entry Level (P10)$34,307$33,238Top Earner (P90)$55,228$67,643US Median $47,724

Verdict

Brookhaven, GA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.

The salary gap between Augusta and Brookhaven is $1,593 (3.69%). Brookhaven's median is -6.14% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $20,921,Brookhaven spans $34,405. Brookhaven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$34,307
P25$39,000
Median$43,202
P75$47,874
P90 (Top)$55,228
Brookhaven
P10 (Entry)$33,238
P25$36,359
Median$44,795
P75$53,788
P90 (Top)$67,643

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Brookhaven ($48,115 effective) pays 2.35% more than Augusta ($47,008 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $43,202
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $47,008
Brookhaven
Nominal: $44,795
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $48,115

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Brookhaven if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,795/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,643)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,115)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Augusta grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Brookhaven over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+17.4%

$35,320 (2019) → $41,453 (2025)

Brookhaven, GA

+15.4%

$37,238 (2024) → $42,981 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Augusta or Brookhaven?

Brookhaven has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $44,795/year, compared to Augusta at $43,202/year — a difference of $1,593 (3.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Brookhaven?

Augusta sterile processing technicians earn $20.77/hr while Brookhaven hygienists earn $21.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Brookhaven as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Brookhaven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $47,008, Brookhaven = $48,115), job availability (130 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Augusta vs Brookhaven?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,307 in Augusta and $33,238 in Brookhaven. The Augusta 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