Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Albany, GA: $44,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Albany, GA earns a median $44,384/year (≈ $21.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Albany's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $47,673 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As the healthcare industry evolves, Albany, Georgia has adopted a new hiring trend since 2021: sterile processing positions now often require specific credentials. In 2026, professionals in this field can expect to earn a median annual salary of $44,384, reflecting a notable engagement of the local market. The salary ranges from $32,320 at the 10th percentile to as high as $63,408 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, providing a contextual overview of the sterile processing technician salary in Albany. With competition and professional qualifications on the rise, this evolving market landscape indicates a promising path for those considering a career in sterile processing.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,320 | $15.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,195 | $18.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,384 | $21.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,823 | $25.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,408 | $30.48 |
Median Salary Position
7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, GA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,088 (2026 est.). At $44,384, the local median is 7% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albany Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Albany median: $44,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $44,787 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -7.00% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Albany, GA earn a median of $44,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Georgia state average of $44,787.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $44,384 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,673 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,427
2025 BLS Actual
$42,587
2026 Current Est.
$44,384
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,123 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,896 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,257 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,427 (2019) to $42,587 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,257 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,830 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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) | $32,320 – $38,195 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,195 – $44,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,384 – $53,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,823 – $63,408 |
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 Albany
In Albany, the job market for sterile processing technicians comprises a modest workforce of 12 individuals, which suggests a focused but selective employment environment. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.1, indicating a slightly lower-than-average cost of living that could enhance the purchasing power of salaries. While most sterile processing technicians find employment in hospital sterile processing departments, opportunities also exist within ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices. The differences in pay can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, the complexity of procedures, and credential qualifications. Those holding stacked credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER may command higher wages, particularly in settings that require specialized skill sets. To maximize earning potential in the Albany market, technicians should consider additional certifications and pursue roles in hospital settings and trauma centers, where compensation is typically more competitive.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Albany, GA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Albany?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Albany?
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Related Pages
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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 $42,587 for sterile processing techniciansin the Albany 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 Albany 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