Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $23.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Atlanta, GA runs $23.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,456 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,681 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.78, which is notably higher than the national median of $22.94 per hour. This wage reflects the region's demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and even dental practices. Part-time workers, typically clocking in three days a week, can anticipate a consistent income while easing into the field. Per-diem opportunities also present attractive options, with entry-level workers starting around $19.18 per hour and experienced technicians reaching up to $31.27 per hour, making it feasible to design a work schedule that fits their lifestyle while gaining valuable experience in sterile processing.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.18 | $153.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.09 | $176.76 |
| Median (P50) | $23.78 | $190.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.14 | $233.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.27 | $250.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $23.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.78/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $49,469 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,540. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.32 | $4,122 | $49,469 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.79 | $2,473 | $29,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.53 | $1,649 | $19,787 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Atlanta) | $23.78 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $49,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.63% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 10.40% above the Georgia state average of $44,797.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.78/hr = $29,681/year (purchasing power: $29,664).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,469/year (purchasing power: $49,440).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Atlanta grew 28.5% from $17.76/hr (2019) to $22.82/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Atlanta
For those considering a part-time position, a sterile processing technician working just 24 hours a week can actually pocket around $29,462 annually, which contrasts with full-time earnings. Meanwhile, per diem and agency sterile processing technicians often find themselves in a market that bills anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, and those with specific certifications like CER may receive up to $40 per hour. Salary variation is visible across employer types, with hospitals typically offering different rates compared to specialty surgical centers or third-party processing services. Technicians may face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits or higher compensation without added perks. Negotiating pay is possible, especially in a growing field like sterile processing, where credentialing sets candidates apart. Engaging in conversation about rates and benefits, particularly in a competitive market like Atlanta, is key to maximizing overall pay potential.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Atlanta in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Atlanta?
Are sterile processing technicians in Atlanta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Atlanta?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Atlanta?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov