Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Decatur, AL: $35,919 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Decatur, AL earns a median $35,919/year (≈ $17.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $40,863 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Decatur, Alabama, are projected to earn a median salary of $35,919, significantly lower than the national median of $47,724. The pay range for these professionals in the area spans from $26,763 at the 10th percentile to $52,119 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting both entry-level positions and experienced roles. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, take into account local cost adjustments that suggest a competitive, yet challenging, salary landscape. The increasing demand for certified specialists, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, further highlights the evolving nature of this profession in Decatur's healthcare environment.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,763 | $12.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,238 | $14.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,919 | $17.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,013 | $21.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,119 | $25.05 |
Median Salary Position
24.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,356 (2026 est.). At $35,919, the local median is 24.74% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Decatur median: $35,919/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $35,848 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -24.74% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Decatur, AL earn a median of $35,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.74% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $35,848.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $35,919 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,863 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,052
2025 BLS Actual
$34,465
2026 Current Est.
$35,919
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,034 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,971 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,716 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,702 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,919 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,435 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $27,052 (2019) to $34,465 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,435 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,383 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $26,763 – $29,238 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,238 – $35,919 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,919 – $44,013 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,013 – $52,119 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Decatur
Examining the job market reveals that only nine sterile processing technicians are currently employed in Decatur, which indicates the potential for both growth and competition in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, the purchasing power in Decatur is advantageous, allowing technicians to maximize their earnings to meet local financial needs. Among employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive pay, followed closely by ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices. The disparity in salaries often arises from factors like shift differentials for evening or overnight shifts, the necessity for advanced certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, and roles that involve supervisory responsibilities. For those looking to increase their sterile processing technician pay in Decatur, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions at larger facilities can be effective strategies to navigate this market successfully.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $34,465 for sterile processing techniciansin the Decatur metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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