Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Murfreesboro, TN: $48,412 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Murfreesboro, TN earns a median $48,412/year (≈ $23.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Murfreesboro's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $52,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the sterile processing technician salary in Murfreesboro, TN, is projected to reach a median of $48,412, slightly above the national average of $47,724. This rise in remuneration reflects the evolving landscape of hospital hiring policies, which have increasingly favored credential-required positions since 2021. The local salary range is expected to span from $36,955 at the lower end (P10) to $71,984 for those at the upper echelons (P90). These figures are indicative of local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting a competitive environment for skilled technicians. As the healthcare industry continues to emphasize standards, the demand for qualified professionals in Murfreesboro's sterile processing sector is likely to remain robust.
About the Murfreesboro Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,955 | $17.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,187 | $19.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,412 | $23.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,067 | $29.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,984 | $34.61 |
Median Salary Position
1.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murfreesboro
In Murfreesboro, TN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,029 (2026 est.). At $48,412, the local median is 1.44% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murfreesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murfreesboro Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Murfreesboro median: $48,412/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murfreesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $45,888 | +5.50% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +1.44% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murfreesboro 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.
Murfreesboro, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $48,412 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,736 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,460
2025 BLS Actual
$46,452
2026 Current Est.
$48,412
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,395 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,412 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,455 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murfreesboro metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $36,460 (2019) to $46,452 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,455 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,995 (38.38%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,955 – $40,187 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,187 – $48,412 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,412 – $61,067 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,067 – $71,984 |
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 Murfreesboro
In the current job market, 29 sterile processing technicians are employed in Murfreesboro, signaling a steady demand for these essential roles. Despite a cost-of-living index of 91.8, which is below the national average, technicians in this area can enjoy a reasonable take-home pay relative to living expenses. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest compensation, while ambulatory surgery centers and specialized practices such as dental offices also contribute significantly to overall salary variation. Factors influencing pay disparity include shift differentials, especially for evening and overnight trays, as well as credential stacking opportunities like CRCST, CIS, and CER. Technicians looking to maximize their earnings in Murfreesboro should consider obtaining additional certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying environments, such as trauma centers or supervisory positions, to enhance their earning potential in this growing field.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, 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 $46,452 for sterile processing techniciansin the Murfreesboro 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 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