Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Collierville vs Nashville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

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

Collierville, TN
$45,986
$22.11/hr
Nashville, TN
$49,286
$23.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCollierville, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$45,986$49,286
Hourly Rate$22.11$23.69
Entry Level (P10)$34,152$37,279
25th Percentile$37,454$45,213
75th Percentile$56,335$59,520
Top Earner (P90)$65,203$61,912
Total Employed8540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Collierville ($45,986) and Nashville ($49,286) sterile processing technician salaries.ColliervilleNashvilleMedian Salary$45,986$49,286Entry Level (P10)$34,152$37,279Top Earner (P90)$65,203$61,912US Median $47,724

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Collierville and Nashville is $3,300 (7.18%). Nashville's median is +3.27% 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,Nashville spans $24,633. 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
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$37,279
P25$45,213
Median$49,286
P75$59,520
P90 (Top)$61,912

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($51,159 effective) pays 2.13% more than Collierville ($50,094 effective).

Collierville
Nominal: $45,986
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $50,094
Nashville
Nominal: $49,286
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $51,159

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Collierville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($65,203)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,286/year)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,159)
  • 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 38.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Collierville, TN

+19.9%

$36,802 (2024) → $44,124 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+38.6%

$34,120 (2019) → $47,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nashville has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,286/year, compared to Collierville at $45,986/year — a difference of $3,300 (7.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Collierville and Nashville?

Collierville sterile processing technicians earn $22.11/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $23.69/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Collierville and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Collierville = $50,094, Nashville = $51,159), job availability (8 vs 540 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,152 in Collierville and $37,279 in Nashville. The Nashville 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