Knoxville vs Nashville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,274 | $49,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.25 | $23.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,937 | $37,279▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,129 | $45,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,365 | $59,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,750 | $61,912▲ |
| Total Employed | 210 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Nashville is $3,012 (6.51%). 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 Knoxville spans $24,813,Nashville spans $24,633. Knoxville 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, Nashville ($51,159 effective) pays 2.34% more than Knoxville ($49,989 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville 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 Knoxville grew 50.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$29,590 (2019) → $44,400 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$34,120 (2019) → $47,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Knoxville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Nashville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Knoxville 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