Johnson City vs Memphis: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Johnson City, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,493 | $45,503▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.88 | $21.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,997 | $36,739▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,859▲ | $37,089 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,378 | $57,419▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,510 | $60,331▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Memphis is $10 (0.02%). Memphis's median is -4.65% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $25,513,Memphis spans $23,592. Johnson City 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, Johnson City ($51,739 effective) pays 4.81% more than Memphis ($49,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,739)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,503/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,331)
- ✓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 Johnson City grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$33,870 (2019) → $43,651 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$33,400 (2019) → $43,661 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Johnson City or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Memphis as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Johnson City vs Memphis?
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