Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Augusta, GA: $43,202 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Augusta, GA earns a median $43,202/year (≈ $20.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.9), that paycheck buys what $47,008 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, the anticipated median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is set at $43,202, which reflects a noticeable difference compared to the national median of $47,724. The local salary range varies significantly, from $34,307 at the 10th percentile to $55,228 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the impact of evening and overnight shifts on earnings. This information, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights the local job market's unique characteristics, including the compensation tied to surgical tray turnover rates. As the demand for skilled personnel in sterile processing grows, professionals in Augusta are navigating a field where specialized skills can lead to competitive wages.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,307 | $16.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,000 | $18.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,202 | $20.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,874 | $23.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,228 | $26.56 |
Median Salary Position
9.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, GA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,921 (2026 est.). At $43,202, the local median is 9.48% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Augusta median: $43,202/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $44,816 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -9.48% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Augusta, GA earn a median of $43,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.48% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $44,816.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 8.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 91.903 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $43,202 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,008 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.81% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,320
2025 BLS Actual
$41,453
2026 Current Est.
$43,202
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,453 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,202 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,025 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 17.4% from $35,320 (2019) to $41,453 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,705 (27.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,307 – $39,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,000 – $43,202 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,202 – $47,874 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,874 – $55,228 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Augusta
Looking deeper into the job market, there are currently around 130 sterile processing technicians employed within Augusta, indicating a stable demand for this profession. With a cost of living index at 91.903, salaries may stretch further, enhancing purchasing power for residents. Among the highest-paying positions are those in hospital sterile processing departments or large ambulatory surgery centers, where pay is often higher due to the complexity of procedures and the necessity for specialized credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Factors such as shift differentials, additional responsibilities like supervisory roles, and the designation of trauma centers contribute to the wide salary range seen in this area. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment in facilities that actively promote professional development could provide advantageous pathways in the Augusta GA market.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Augusta, GA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Augusta?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,453 for sterile processing techniciansin the Augusta metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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