Birmingham vs Madison: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Birmingham, AL and Madison, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,258▲ | $34,957 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.43▲ | $16.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,167▲ | $27,362 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,038▲ | $29,414 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,102 | $43,002▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,545 | $51,138▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Madison is $1,301 (3.72%). 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 Birmingham spans $14,378,Madison spans $23,776. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($39,769 effective) pays 0.52% more than Birmingham ($39,564 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,258/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,138)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,769)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Birmingham grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Madison over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$30,370 (2019) → $34,790 (2025)
Madison, AL
$30,853 (2024) → $33,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Madison, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Birmingham or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Madison?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Madison as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Birmingham vs Madison?
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