Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Brookings, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,279 | $40,301▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.88 | $19.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,573▲ | $31,696 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,992 | $38,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,755▲ | $46,074 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,865▲ | $51,056 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $1,022 (2.60%). Sioux Falls's median is -15.55% 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,Sioux Falls spans $19,360. 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, Sioux Falls ($44,467 effective) pays 5.06% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,865)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,301/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,467)
- ✓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 22.6% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$36,009 (2024) → $37,689 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$31,530 (2019) → $38,669 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Brookings or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Sioux Falls as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Brookings vs Sioux Falls?
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