Huntsville vs Montgomery: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Huntsville, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $35,608 | $36,939▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.12 | $17.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,436▲ | $30,396 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,088▲ | $31,806 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,433▲ | $38,620 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,693▲ | $42,842 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntsville.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Montgomery is $1,331 (3.74%). Montgomery's median is -22.60% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $14,257,Montgomery spans $12,446. Huntsville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Montgomery ($41,189 effective) pays 7.66% more than Huntsville ($38,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($45,693)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,939/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,189)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Huntsville grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$27,040 (2019) → $34,166 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$29,770 (2019) → $35,443 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Huntsville or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Huntsville to Montgomery as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Huntsville vs Montgomery?
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