Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Clarksville, TN: $45,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Clarksville, TN earns a median $45,377/year (≈ $21.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Clarksville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $49,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the wage for sterile processing technicians in Clarksville, TN is projected to reach a median annual salary of $45,377. This figure represents a slight decline compared to the national median of $47,724, though it falls within the local salary range of $34,417 at the 10th percentile to $68,871 at the 90th percentile. As the field has transitioned towards a credential-required hiring model since 2021, technicians entering the workforce with certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER are better positioned to command higher salaries. This shift reflects a significant change in local healthcare employment practices, emphasizing the importance of formal education and certification in sterile processing roles.
About the Clarksville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,417 | $16.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,499 | $18.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,377 | $21.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,067 | $27.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,871 | $33.11 |
Median Salary Position
4.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clarksville
In Clarksville, TN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,454 (2026 est.). At $45,377, the local median is 4.92% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clarksville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clarksville Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Clarksville median: $45,377/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clarksville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $45,882 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -4.92% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clarksville has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clarksville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,377 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,430 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,175
2025 BLS Actual
$43,540
2026 Current Est.
$45,377
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,175 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,416 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,314 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,292 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clarksville metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,175 (2019) to $43,540 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,292 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,117 (38.38%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,417 – $37,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,499 – $45,377 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,377 – $57,067 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,067 – $68,871 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Clarksville
The job market for sterile processing technicians remains competitive in Clarksville, with around 30 individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index in Clarksville stands at 91.8, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living compared to the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of local wages. Among the employers in the area, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest salaries, with ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers following closely behind. Variations in pay can arise from factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts, the stacking of certifications, and supervisory roles. To maximize earning potential, technicians should consider obtaining additional credentials and pursuing positions in hospitals or trauma centers, as these settings often provide greater pay opportunities and benefits.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,540 for sterile processing techniciansin the Clarksville metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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