Chattanooga vs Murfreesboro: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,884 | $48,412▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.06 | $23.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,587 | $36,955▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,099 | $40,187▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,935 | $61,067▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,750 | $71,984▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Murfreesboro is $2,528 (5.51%). Murfreesboro's median is +1.44% 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,Murfreesboro spans $35,029. Murfreesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Murfreesboro ($52,736 effective) pays 5.12% more than Chattanooga ($50,166 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,412/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,984)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,736)
- ✓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 27.5% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$30,740 (2019) → $44,026 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$36,430 (2024) → $46,452 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chattanooga or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Murfreesboro?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chattanooga vs Murfreesboro?
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