Murfreesboro vs Nashville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Murfreesboro, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Murfreesboro, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,412 | $49,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.27 | $23.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,955 | $37,279▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,187 | $45,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,067▲ | $59,520 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,984▲ | $61,912 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Murfreesboro.
The salary gap between Murfreesboro and Nashville is $874 (1.81%). 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 Murfreesboro spans $35,029,Nashville spans $24,633. Murfreesboro 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, Murfreesboro ($52,736 effective) pays 3.08% more than Nashville ($51,159 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,984)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,736)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,286/year)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Murfreesboro grew 27.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Murfreesboro, TN
$36,430 (2024) → $46,452 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$34,120 (2019) → $47,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Murfreesboro, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Murfreesboro or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Murfreesboro and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Murfreesboro to Nashville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Murfreesboro 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