Billings vs Butte: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Billings, MT and Butte, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Butte, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,963▲ | $42,832 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.11▲ | $20.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,949▲ | $32,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,290▲ | $36,531 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,165 | $52,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,799 | $62,193▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Billings and Butte is $3,131 (7.31%). Billings's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $20,850,Butte spans $29,960. Butte has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($49,145 effective) pays 10.38% more than Butte ($44,524 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,963/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,145)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Butte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,193)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Billings grew 29.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Butte over the same period.
Billings, MT
$33,990 (2020) → $44,102 (2025)
Butte, MT
$41,135 (2024) → $41,098 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Billings or Butte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Butte?
Should I relocate from Billings to Butte as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Billings vs Butte?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov