Brookings vs Rapid City: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Brookings, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,279 | $45,484▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.88 | $21.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,573 | $38,320▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,992 | $39,260▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,755 | $47,144▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,865 | $58,860▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Rapid City is $6,205 (15.80%). Rapid City's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $21,292,Rapid City spans $20,540. Brookings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($51,014 effective) pays 20.52% more than Brookings ($42,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,484/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,860)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,014)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Brookings grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$36,009 (2024) → $37,689 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$41,030 (2024) → $43,642 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Brookings or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Rapid City as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Brookings vs Rapid City?
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