Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Atlanta vs Marietta: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Atlanta, GA and Marietta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$49,456
$23.78/hr
Marietta, GA
$43,983
$21.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAMarietta, GA
Median Salary$49,456$43,983
Hourly Rate$23.78$21.15
Entry Level (P10)$39,901$34,911
25th Percentile$45,943$37,372
75th Percentile$60,591$54,468
Top Earner (P90)$65,033$64,946
Total Employed1,06015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($49,456) and Marietta ($43,983) sterile processing technician salaries.AtlantaMariettaMedian Salary$49,456$43,983Entry Level (P10)$39,901$34,911Top Earner (P90)$65,033$64,946US Median $47,724

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marietta.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Marietta is $5,473 (12.44%). Atlanta's median is +3.63% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $25,132,Marietta spans $30,035. Marietta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$39,901
P25$45,943
Median$49,456
P75$60,591
P90 (Top)$65,033
Marietta
P10 (Entry)$34,911
P25$37,372
Median$43,983
P75$54,468
P90 (Top)$64,946

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($49,427 effective) pays 4.62% more than Marietta ($47,243 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $49,456
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $49,427
Marietta
Nominal: $43,983
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $47,243

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,456/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,033)
  • Larger job market (1,060 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,427)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Marietta if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Atlanta grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Marietta over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+28.5%

$36,940 (2019) → $47,453 (2025)

Marietta, GA

+15.4%

$36,562 (2024) → $42,202 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Atlanta or Marietta?

Atlanta has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,456/year, compared to Marietta at $43,983/year — a difference of $5,473 (12.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Marietta?

Atlanta sterile processing technicians earn $23.78/hr while Marietta hygienists earn $21.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Marietta as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Marietta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $49,427, Marietta = $47,243), job availability (1,060 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Atlanta vs Marietta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $39,901 in Atlanta and $34,911 in Marietta. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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