Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Knoxville, TN: $46,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Knoxville, TN earns a median $46,274/year (≈ $22.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Knoxville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.6), that paycheck buys what $49,989 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Knoxville, TN, the evolving landscape for sterile processing technicians has resulted in a projected median annual salary of $46,274 for 2026. This figure, which reflects a modest difference from the national median of $47,724, is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. Local salaries range from $33,937 at the 10th percentile to $58,750 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse array of compensation opportunities within the industry. Since the credential requirement shift post-2021, employers are increasingly seeking certified technicians, driving demand for skilled professionals. The hiring landscape in Knoxville is adapting, and those with specialized credentials can position themselves advantageously in this competitive market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,937 | $16.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,129 | $17.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,274 | $22.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,365 | $24.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,750 | $28.24 |
Median Salary Position
3.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
In Knoxville, TN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,813 (2026 est.). At $46,274, the local median is 3.04% below the national median of $47,724.
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At 40 hours/week in Knoxville: You'd be above the median
How Knoxville Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Knoxville median: $46,274/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Knoxville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $45,906 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -3.04% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Knoxville, TN earn a median of $46,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.04% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.80% above the Tennessee state average of $45,906.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Knoxville has a cost of living 7.43% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Knoxville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.569 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $46,274 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,989 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,590
2025 BLS Actual
$44,400
2026 Current Est.
$46,274
2019–2027 Growth
+63.0%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,226 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Knoxville metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 50.1% from $29,590 (2019) to $44,400 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,226 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,636 (62.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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) | $33,937 – $36,129 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,129 – $46,274 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,274 – $50,365 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,365 – $58,750 |
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 Knoxville
The job market for sterile processing technicians in Knoxville includes approximately 210 individuals currently employed in this field, highlighting sustained demand despite fluctuations in salary. With a cost-of-living index of 92.569, technicians enjoy a favorable purchasing power, making their wages stretch further than in many other cities. The highest-paying employers typically include local hospital sterile processing departments, as well as specialized surgical centers that offer advanced procedural services. Factors influencing pay variation include evening and overnight shift differentials, the impact of credential stacking (such as CRCST, CIS, and CER), and whether the technician works in a hospital versus an ambulatory surgery center. To maximize earnings potential, aspiring technicians in Knoxville should prioritize acquiring multiple credentials and consider seeking positions in trauma centers or facilities with high demand during off-peak hours.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $44,400 for sterile processing techniciansin the Knoxville 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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