Billings vs Helena: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,963▲ | $42,207 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.11▲ | $20.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,949▲ | $34,047 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,290▲ | $36,183 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,165 | $52,165▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,799 | $60,087▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $3,756 (8.90%). 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,Helena spans $26,040. Helena 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 12.01% more than Helena ($43,874 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 Helena if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,087)
- ✓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 Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$33,990 (2020) → $44,102 (2025)
Helena, MT
$40,534 (2024) → $40,498 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Billings or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Helena?
Should I relocate from Billings to Helena as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Billings vs Helena?
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