Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Brentwood, TN: $21.28 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Brentwood, TN runs $21.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,560 per year.

$44,260
Median Annual Salary
$21.28/hr
Hourly Rate
$36,416
Entry Level (P10)
$63,628
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Brentwood, TN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Brentwood, TN sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Brentwood, Tennessee, the projected hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is set at $21.28, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This compensation level opens various employment opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers who often find assignments in hospital sterile processing departments, outpatient facilities, and surgical centers. For example, working a typical three-day week could translate to a steady income while maintaining a balance for personal commitments. Entry-level positions typically start at around $17.51 per hour, whereas highly experienced technicians can earn up to $30.59 per hour. These hourly rates are reflective of statewide trends, based on estimates from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, catering to a diverse range of employers in Brentwood.

About the Brentwood Market

Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$17.51$140.07
Lower Range (P25)$17.96$143.66
Median (P50)$21.28$170.25
Upper Range (P75)$26.02$208.19
Top Earners (P90)$30.59$244.71

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood

Based on $21.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Brentwood earning $21.28/hr would make approximately $25,538 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $44,266 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$25,538Reduced (32 hr/wk)$34,051Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$44,266

At $21.28/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, TN can expect to earn approximately $44,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,538. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brentwood.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$170.25
per 8hr shift
$851.27
per week
$3,689
per month
$44,266
per year

Schedule Comparison in Brentwood

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$851.27$3,689$44,266
Part-Time (24 hrs)$510.76$2,213$26,560
Per Diem (16 hrs)$340.51$1,476$17,706

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Brentwood)$21.28
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Brentwood ($44,260) with Tennessee average ($45,865) and the US national median ($47,724).Brentwood$44,260Tennessee Avg$45,865-3.50%US National$47,724-7.26%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Brentwood, TN earn a median of $44,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.26% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.50% below the Tennessee state average of $45,865.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $21.28/hr = $26,560/year (purchasing power: $28,932).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,266/year (purchasing power: $48,220).

CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$16.03/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$20.42/hr

2026 Current Est.

$21.28/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Brentwood (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Brentwood. Baseline $16.03/hr in 2025, projected to $22.18/hr by 2027.$15$17$19$21$232019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.03$16.61$16.36$17.76$19.38$17.03$20.42$21.28$22.18
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$16.03/hrActual
2020$16.61/hrActual
2021$16.36/hrActual
2022$17.76/hrActual
2023$19.38/hrActual
2024$17.03/hrActual
2025$20.42/hrActual
2026(current)$21.28/hrEstimated
2027$22.18/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Brentwood grew 27.4% from $16.03/hr (2019) to $20.42/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.18/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Brentwood

For those considering a part-time role in sterile processing, a schedule of 24 hours per week could yield approximately $26,560 annually, a substantial amount for someone prioritizing flexibility over full-time hours. Per-diem opportunities also present a lucrative pathway, with pay rates ranging between $22 and $32 per hour. Furthermore, specialized roles, such as those requiring CER credentials for endoscope reprocessing, can command higher rates, reaching $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. Different types of employers in Brentwood, such as hospital SPD, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental specialty practices, may offer varying compensation packages. Some technicians may prefer lower hourly rates that include health benefits, while others may negotiate for higher pay without the overhead of employer-sponsored insurance. When considering employment offers, it's essential to weigh the value of benefits against hourly wages, particularly in a competitive job market that emphasizes credentialing and specialized skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Brentwood in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Brentwood is $21.28/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $17.51 at entry level (10th percentile) to $30.59 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 7.3% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Brentwood?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Brentwood earns approximately $2,213/month, or $26,560/year at the median hourly rate of $21.28. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Brentwood paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Brentwood are paid hourly at a median rate of $21.28/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $44,266/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Brentwood?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Brentwood earns approximately $44,266/year at the median hourly rate of $21.28. This is 7.3% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $63,624/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Brentwood?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Brentwood sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $30.59/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Tennessee

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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