Chattanooga vs Jackson: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Jackson, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Jackson, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,884▲ | $38,759 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.06▲ | $18.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,587 | $34,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,099▲ | $34,057 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,935▲ | $47,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,750▲ | $52,277 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Jackson is $7,125 (18.38%). Chattanooga's median is -3.86% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $25,163,Jackson spans $18,220. Chattanooga 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, Chattanooga ($50,166 effective) pays 10.69% more than Jackson ($45,321 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,750)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,166)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Chattanooga grew 43.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.5% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$30,740 (2019) → $44,026 (2025)
Jackson, TN
$25,740 (2019) → $37,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Jackson, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chattanooga or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Jackson as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chattanooga vs Jackson?
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