Best Sterile Processing Tech Programs in Bessemer, Alabama (2026)

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: Sterile processing technicians in Alabama earn a median of $35,800 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists accredited sterile processing technician schools near Bessemer, Alabama with local wage data and median graduate earnings for each school.

Looking for sterile processing technician schools in Bessemer, Alabama? The programs below combine classroom instruction with hands-on practice. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $35,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Bessemer Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$35,800BLS OEWS, May 2025
Alabama pay range (10th to 90th percentile)$30,180 to $45,670BLS OEWS, May 2025
Birmingham, AL metro median wage$36,240BLS OEWS, May 2025
National job outlook (2024 to 2034)+10.0% growth, about 10,900 openings per yearBLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
State employment1,000 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
Jefferson County establishments20BLS QCEW, 2024
Jefferson County industry employment14,100BLS QCEW, 2024
Jefferson County unemployment rate3.1%BLS LAUS, 2024
Alabama location quotient0.95BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

Explore the Sterile processing technician Career

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to Bessemer. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the Jefferson County and Alabama figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.

Sterile Processing Tech Programs near Bessemer

#1

West Georgia Technical College

Waco, GA 105.1 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 33.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 95
  • Annual completions: 4191
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $43,835 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Columbus Technical College

Columbus, GA 132.0 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 23.6% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 97
  • Annual completions: 1552
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $43,818 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Clarkston, GA 160.0 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 39.5% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 103
  • Annual completions: 1577
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $46,601 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

Sterile Processing Tech Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $47,700 $22.93 per hour
Job Outlook 10.1% 7,700 jobs (2024–2034)
10,900 openings/yr
Data Year: 2025 SOC: 31-9093 Source: BLS OEWS

Training & Certification Steps in Alabama

  1. Complete an accredited or state-approved Sterile Processing Technician program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree).
  2. Build hands-on experience through labs, clinicals, or supervised practice as required in your state.
  3. Prepare for any required certification or licensing exams and keep up with continuing education.

Tips for Choosing a Program

  • Confirm the curriculum aligns with employer expectations and any national certification you plan to pursue.
  • Compare schedules. many schools near Bessemer offer evening, weekend, or hybrid options.
  • Ask about clinical, lab, or externship placements and how they are arranged.
  • Review program outcomes, career support services, and available tuition assistance. Individual outcomes may vary.

Sterile-Processing-Tech Salary in U.S.

Median Salary $47,700 $22.93/hr
Average Salary $50,510 $24.28/hr

Salary Range

$36,410 10th pctl
$47,700 Median
$69,950 90th pctl
10th Percentile $36,410 $17.50/hr
25th Percentile $39,800 $19.13/hr
75th Percentile $58,570 $28.16/hr
90th Percentile $69,950 $33.63/hr

Employment & Outlook

Total Employed77,420
Growth (2024-2034)10.1%
Annual Openings10,900
Jobs per 1,0000.5

Medical Equipment Preparers (31-9093) • BLS OEWS, May 2025 • bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.