Hendersonville vs Knoxville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Hendersonville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hendersonville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,570 | $46,274▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.43 | $22.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,623▲ | $33,937 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,330▲ | $36,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,630▲ | $50,365 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,871▲ | $58,750 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hendersonville.
The salary gap between Hendersonville and Knoxville is $1,704 (3.82%). Knoxville's median is -3.04% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hendersonville spans $30,248,Knoxville spans $24,813. Hendersonville 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, Knoxville ($49,989 effective) pays 2.96% more than Hendersonville ($48,551 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hendersonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,871)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,274/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,989)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Hendersonville grew 19.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.1% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Hendersonville, TN
$35,668 (2024) → $42,765 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$29,590 (2019) → $44,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hendersonville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Hendersonville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hendersonville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Hendersonville to Knoxville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Hendersonville vs Knoxville?
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