Athens vs Columbus: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Athens, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,624▲ | $38,370 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.90▲ | $18.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,919▲ | $29,155 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,069▲ | $36,789 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,905▲ | $45,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,130▲ | $50,766 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 60 |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $9,254 (24.12%). Athens's median is -0.21% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $21,211,Columbus spans $21,611. Columbus 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, Athens ($51,020 effective) pays 18.74% more than Columbus ($42,969 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,624/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,130)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,020)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Athens grew 47.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, GA
$30,930 (2019) → $45,696 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$27,180 (2019) → $36,816 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Athens or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Athens to Columbus as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Athens vs Columbus?
Related Comparisons
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