Nashville vs Shelbyville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Nashville, TN and Shelbyville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Shelbyville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,286▲ | $43,916 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.69▲ | $21.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,279▲ | $35,324 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,213▲ | $37,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,520▲ | $52,459 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,912▲ | $60,521 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Shelbyville is $5,370 (12.23%). 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 Nashville spans $24,633,Shelbyville spans $25,197. Shelbyville 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 6.94% more than Shelbyville ($47,839 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Nashville grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$34,120 (2019) → $47,290 (2025)
Shelbyville, TN
$35,145 (2024) → $42,138 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Nashville or Shelbyville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Shelbyville?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Shelbyville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Nashville vs Shelbyville?
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