Chattanooga vs Shelbyville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Shelbyville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Shelbyville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,884▲ | $43,916 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.06▲ | $21.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,587 | $35,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,099 | $37,210▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,935 | $52,459▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,750 | $60,521▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Shelbyville is $1,968 (4.48%). 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,Shelbyville spans $25,197. Shelbyville 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, Chattanooga ($50,166 effective) pays 4.87% more than Shelbyville ($47,839 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)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,166)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,521)
- ✓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 19.9% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$30,740 (2019) → $44,026 (2025)
Shelbyville, TN
$35,145 (2024) → $42,138 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chattanooga or Shelbyville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Shelbyville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Shelbyville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chattanooga vs Shelbyville?
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