Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $18.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Columbus, GA runs $18.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,022 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the projected sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $18.45, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $22.94. This difference may impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings, such as hospital sterilization departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For part-time workers, such as those scheduled three days a week, this pay translates to a manageable income while allowing for flexible scheduling. Meanwhile, per-diem technicians operating on a direct hire or contract basis can see significant variations in their earnings, ranging from entry-level positions at $14.02 per hour to experienced technicians earning up to $24.40 hourly. This data provides a useful perspective for individuals entering or currently working in sterile processing environments in Columbus.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.02 | $112.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.69 | $141.49 |
| Median (P50) | $18.45 | $147.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.40 | $195.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $18.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.45/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $38,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,136. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $737.88 | $3,197 | $38,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.73 | $1,918 | $23,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.15 | $1,279 | $15,348 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Columbus) | $18.45 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Columbus, GA earn a median of $38,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.60% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 14.30% below the Georgia state average of $44,772.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.45/hr = $23,022/year (purchasing power: $25,781).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,370/year (purchasing power: $42,969).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Columbus grew 35.4% from $13.07/hr (2019) to $17.70/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Columbus
Examining the broader dynamics within Columbus, part-time sterile processing technicians can expect to earn around $22,300 annually when working 24 hours per week, far less than their full-time counterparts. For those choosing per-diem work, the landscape offers even more varied earning potential, with professionals occasionally billing between $22 and $32 per hour, depending on credentialing and agency agreements. Recent trends show that fully certified endoscope reprocessors can demand rates as high as $28-$40 per hour in agency placements. As hospitals and specialized centers emerge, pay rates differ significantly across employer types, with hospital positions typically offering a steadier income and benefits, while private practices may compensate on an hourly basis without benefits. With the rise of travel contracts since 2020, some may choose to prioritize higher hourly rates over health insurance, a choice that requires careful consideration of both financial and career-long impacts. Understanding these factors can lead to more effective negotiations for sterile processing technician hourly rate GA in the Columbus area.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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