Augusta vs Sandy Springs: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Augusta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,202 | $50,423▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.77 | $24.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,307 | $37,434▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,000 | $41,094▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,874 | $61,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,228 | $73,533▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Sandy Springs is $7,221 (16.71%). Sandy Springs's median is +5.66% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $20,921,Sandy Springs spans $36,099. Sandy Springs 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, Sandy Springs ($54,160 effective) pays 15.21% more than Augusta ($47,008 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,423/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,533)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,160)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Augusta grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$35,320 (2019) → $41,453 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$38,348 (2024) → $48,381 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Augusta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Sandy Springs as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Augusta vs Sandy Springs?
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