Jackson vs Nashville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Jackson, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,759 | $49,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.63 | $23.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,057 | $37,279▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,057 | $45,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,054 | $59,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,277 | $61,912▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Nashville is $10,527 (27.16%). 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 Jackson spans $18,220,Nashville spans $24,633. Nashville 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, Nashville ($51,159 effective) pays 12.88% more than Jackson ($45,321 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,912)
- ✓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 Jackson grew 44.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Jackson, TN
$25,740 (2019) → $37,190 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$34,120 (2019) → $47,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Jackson or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Nashville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Jackson vs Nashville?
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