Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Georgia: $47,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Georgia's 39 metropolitan areas, the average median sterile processing technician pay sits at $47,163/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9093. Because Georgia sits at BEA RPP 93.1 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $50,658 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Sandy Springs ($48,381), Atlanta ($47,453), Roswell ($46,377).
In 2026, the average median salary for sterile processing technicians in Georgia is projected to be $47,164, slightly below the national median of $47,724, marking a difference of -1.2%. The vast salary range in the state ranges from $50,423 in Sandy Springs to $38,370 in Columbus, illustrating a gap of $12,053. This discrepancy can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the presence of major hospitals and surgical centers in metropolitan areas. Georgia has specific requirements for sterile processing technicians, including completion of an accredited program and often, certification, affecting the entry-level workforce. Additionally, the demand for these roles is bolstered by an aging population and the need for surgical procedures, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 4.22%. The job market remains strong with a total employment of 1,831 sterile processing technicians. Key cities reflecting the best salary prospects include Atlanta at $49,456, Roswell at $48,334, and Athens at $47,624, confirming that metropolitan areas tend to offer higher compensation in line with increased demand. This outlook indicates a favorable environment for those pursuing careers in sterile processing within the state of Georgia.
Georgia Sterile Processing Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Georgia: $29,155 (lowest entry-level) to $73,533 (highest top earner)
Georgia vs National Average
Georgia sterile processing technicians earn 1.18% less than the national median ($-561/year difference).
Georgia Sterile Processing Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Sterile Processing Technician salaries in Georgia range from $37,900 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $62,393 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $47,163. The Georgia median is $561 below the US national median of $47,724. The average hourly rate is $22.68/hr. Approximately 1,831 sterile processing technicians are employed across 39 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,690
2025 BLS Actual
$45,254
2026 Current Est.
$47,163
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,448 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Georgia metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 26.8% from $35,690 (2019) to $45,254 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,464 (37.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Georgia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Georgia
Lowest Paying Cities in Georgia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $38,370 |
| Griffin | $41,670 |
| Canton | $42,461 |
| Tucker | $42,562 |
| Peachtree City | $42,670 |
Best Value Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Georgia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Georgia cities offer the most purchasing power for sterile processing technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Springs | $50,423 | 93.1 | $54,160 |
| Roswell | $48,334 | 93.1 | $51,916 |
| Macon | $45,924 | 88.528 | $51,875 |
| Athens | $47,624 | 93.343 | $51,020 |
| Atlanta | $49,456 | 100.058 | $49,427 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $37,900 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $47,163 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $62,393 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Georgia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 39 Cities in Georgia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandy Springs | $50,423 |
| 2 | Atlanta | $49,456 |
| 3 | Roswell | $48,334 |
| 4 | Athens | $47,624 |
| 5 | Macon | $45,924 |
| 6 | Alpharetta | $45,253 |
| 7 | South Fulton | $45,200 |
| 8 | Brookhaven | $44,795 |
| 9 | Lawrenceville | $44,484 |
| 10 | Statesboro | $44,436 |
| 11 | Warner Robins | $44,384 |
| 12 | Albany | $44,384 |
| 13 | Woodstock | $44,384 |
| 14 | Stockbridge | $44,317 |
| 15 | Pooler | $44,255 |
| 16 | Valdosta | $44,213 |
| 17 | Marietta | $43,983 |
| 18 | Peachtree Corners | $43,977 |
| 19 | Johns Creek | $43,788 |
| 20 | Savannah | $43,672 |
| 21 | Hinesville | $43,539 |
| 22 | Evans | $43,452 |
| 23 | Douglasville | $43,411 |
| 24 | Dunwoody | $43,408 |
| 25 | Smyrna | $43,362 |
| 26 | Dalton | $43,237 |
| 27 | Augusta | $43,202 |
| 28 | McDonough | $43,177 |
| 29 | Newnan | $43,109 |
| 30 | Milton | $43,091 |
| 31 | Kennesaw | $42,768 |
| 32 | Gainesville | $42,708 |
| 33 | Rome | $42,708 |
| 34 | Cartersville | $42,671 |
| 35 | Peachtree City | $42,670 |
| 36 | Tucker | $42,562 |
| 37 | Canton | $42,461 |
| 38 | Griffin | $41,670 |
| 39 | Columbus | $38,370 |
More Georgia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore sterile processing technician hourly pay in Georgia cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new sterile processing technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced sterile processing technicians.
Compare Cities in Georgia
View all comparisons →Explore More Sterile Processing Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Georgia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for sterile processing technicians in Georgia?
How does Georgia sterile processing technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level sterile processing technician salary in Georgia?
How many sterile processing technicians are employed in Georgia?
Which Georgia city offers the best value for sterile processing technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 sterile processing technician compensation across Georgia. State averages are employment-weighted across 39 metro areas — larger metro areas with more sterile processing technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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