Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,412 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $23.27, slightly above the national median of $22.94. This wage is particularly beneficial for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week. In such positions, these technicians can expect to take home a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule, often required in various medical environments like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. The hourly pay ranges from $17.77 for entry-level roles to $34.61 for those at the top of the scale, providing opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned professionals in the field. These figures are based on 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting the evolving nature of this essential occupation.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $17.77 | $142.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.32 | $154.58 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.36 | $234.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.61 | $276.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $48,406 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,927. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.89 | $4,034 | $48,406 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.54 | $2,420 | $29,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.36 | $1,614 | $19,363 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Murfreesboro) | $23.27 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $48,412 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 5.50% above the Tennessee state average of $45,888.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,044/year (purchasing power: $31,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,406/year (purchasing power: $52,730).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Murfreesboro grew 27.4% from $17.53/hr (2019) to $22.33/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.25/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
For part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours each week, annual earnings are significantly different compared to their full-time counterparts. While the full-time role allows for benefits and a consistent salary, part-timers often balance work with personal commitments and have varying pay experiences. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Murfreesboro typically ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, while those with specialized credentials like CER can earn between $28 and $40 per hour through agency placements. Travel contracts have also surged in popularity, with earnings potential reaching between $1,000 and $1,500 a week in high-demand areas. Rates can differ based on the type of employer—hospital SPDs might offer different compensation compared to specialty surgical centers or third-party services. Some technicians sacrifice higher hourly wages for jobs that offer health insurance benefits, highlighting a crucial consideration for many in this labor force. Negotiating hourly rates can prove advantageous in this market, especially for those with experience and credentials, as the demand for certified professionals continues to rise in the post-2021 era.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Murfreesboro?
Are sterile processing technicians in Murfreesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Murfreesboro?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Murfreesboro?
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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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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