Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Collierville vs Memphis: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Collierville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Collierville, TN
$45,986
$22.11/hr
Memphis, TN
$45,503
$21.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCollierville, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$45,986$45,503
Hourly Rate$22.11$21.89
Entry Level (P10)$34,152$36,739
25th Percentile$37,454$37,089
75th Percentile$56,335$57,419
Top Earner (P90)$65,203$60,331
Total Employed8280
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Collierville ($45,986) and Memphis ($45,503) sterile processing technician salaries.ColliervilleMemphisMedian Salary$45,986$45,503Entry Level (P10)$34,152$36,739Top Earner (P90)$65,203$60,331US Median $47,724

Verdict

Collierville, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.

The salary gap between Collierville and Memphis is $483 (1.06%). Collierville's median is -3.64% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Collierville spans $31,051,Memphis spans $23,592. Collierville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Collierville
P10 (Entry)$34,152
P25$37,454
Median$45,986
P75$56,335
P90 (Top)$65,203
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$36,739
P25$37,089
Median$45,503
P75$57,419
P90 (Top)$60,331

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Collierville ($50,094 effective) pays 1.48% more than Memphis ($49,364 effective).

Collierville
Nominal: $45,986
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $50,094
Memphis
Nominal: $45,503
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $49,364

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Collierville if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,986/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,203)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,094)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Larger job market (280 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Collierville grew 19.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Collierville, TN

+19.9%

$36,802 (2024) → $44,124 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+30.7%

$33,400 (2019) → $43,661 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Collierville or Memphis?

Collierville has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $45,986/year, compared to Memphis at $45,503/year — a difference of $483 (1.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Collierville and Memphis?

Collierville sterile processing technicians earn $22.11/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $21.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Collierville to Memphis as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Collierville and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Collierville = $50,094, Memphis = $49,364), job availability (8 vs 280 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Collierville vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,152 in Collierville and $36,739 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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