How to Become A Sterile Processing Technician in Tennessee
Tennessee employs approximately 1,590 sterile processing technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $46,990 1. Nationally, sterile processing technician employment is projected to grow 10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a sterile processing technician in Tennessee, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Sterile Processing Technician in Tennessee
How do I become a sterile processing technician in Tennessee? Tennessee does not require a state license for sterile processing technicians, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician). Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Tennessee? No state license is required, but certifications such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) are expected by most employers.
What do sterile processing technicians earn in Tennessee? The median annual wage for sterile processing technicians in Tennessee is $46,990 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,090 and experienced professionals can earn $60,360 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Tennessee): $46,990 per year 1
Sterile Processing Technician Certification Options in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require a state license to work as a sterile processing technician. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for sterile processing technicians include:
- CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician)
For more information, visit the HSPA - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association 3. Contact training programs in Tennessee for details on certification preparation courses.
Sterile Processing Technician Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Medical Equipment Preparers Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), medical equipment preparers wages in Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 540 | $49,260 | $50,880 | $37,260 | $61,880 |
| Memphis | 280 | $45,480 | $47,170 | $36,720 | $60,300 |
| Chattanooga | 220 | $45,860 | $45,400 | $33,570 | $58,720 |
| Knoxville | 210 | $46,250 | $46,670 | $33,920 | $58,720 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 80 | $48,050 | $47,920 | $33,730 | $62,570 |
| Johnson City | 60 | $45,470 | $46,430 | $32,980 | $58,480 |
| Jackson | 50 | $38,740 | $41,140 | $34,040 | $52,250 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Sterile processing technicians in Tennessee
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest sterile processing technician employment within Tennessee according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin | 540 | $49,260 |
| Memphis | 280 | $45,480 |
| Chattanooga | 220 | $45,860 |
| Knoxville | 210 | $46,250 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 80 | $48,050 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in Tennessee? Tennessee currently employs approximately 1,590 sterile processing technicians 1. Nationally, sterile processing technician employment is projected to grow 10.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Tennessee.
How much do sterile processing technicians earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for sterile processing technicians in Tennessee is $46,990, which is $500 above the national median of $46,490 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
HSPA - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association: https://myhspa.org/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |