Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Clarksville, TN: $21.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Clarksville, TN runs $21.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Clarksville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clarksville, Tennessee, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $21.81, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This positioning offers an interesting consideration for those looking at part-time or per-diem roles within hospitals or surgical centers. A technician working three days a week typically would earn around $1,050 monthly if they work 24 hours at this rate, while per-diem workers often experience variability in pay. In this context, the hourly range for sterile processing technicians in Clarksville spans from $16.55 at entry-level positions to $33.11 for top earners, reflecting the skill and credential requirements that have increased since the industry's shift towards hiring based on certifications like CRCST and CER. Such figures highlight the financial implications for roles in environments including decontamination and assembly rooms or instrument processing areas within healthcare facilities.
About the Clarksville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.55 | $132.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.03 | $144.24 |
| Median (P50) | $21.81 | $174.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.44 | $219.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.11 | $264.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksville
Based on $21.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.81/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksville, TN can expect to earn approximately $45,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,176. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $872.53 | $3,781 | $45,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $523.52 | $2,269 | $27,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.01 | $1,512 | $18,149 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Clarksville) | $21.81 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Clarksville, TN earn a median of $45,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.92% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% below the Tennessee state average of $45,882.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.81/hr = $27,223/year (purchasing power: $29,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,372/year (purchasing power: $49,424).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Clarksville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Clarksville grew 27.4% from $16.43/hr (2019) to $20.93/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clarksville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Clarksville
Part-time sterile processing technicians enjoy a different financial landscape than their full-time counterparts. Earning $1,050 monthly translates to about $12,600 annually for those working just three days each week. In contrast, full-time professionals might experience a more stable income trajectory. For per diem technicians, the earnings tend to fluctuate significantly; they may bill between $22 and $32 per hour, with those holding the CER credential sometimes securing rates as high as $28 to $40. Certain agency placements and travel contracts can yield impressive weekly earnings between $1,000 and $1,500, particularly in this post-2020 labor shortage climate. It's also crucial to recognize how employer types influence pay rates in Clarksville's medical field. Technicians at hospitals might receive different compensation compared to those in specialized centers or third-party processing services. Additionally, there are trade-offs between accepting lower hourly wages in favor of health benefits versus pursuing higher hourly rates without such benefits—a decision many technicians in Tennessee need to navigate. Practical negotiation strategies for hourly workers can make a significant difference, especially as industry demands evolve.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Clarksville in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Clarksville?
Are sterile processing technicians in Clarksville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Clarksville?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Clarksville?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Clarksville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clarksville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov