Chaska vs Rochester: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chaska, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chaska, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,599 | $47,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.44 | $23.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,811 | $42,852▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,234 | $47,894▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,190 | $58,810▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,900▲ | $58,810 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chaska.
The salary gap between Chaska and Rochester is $3,386 (7.59%). Rochester's median is +0.55% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chaska spans $27,089,Rochester spans $15,958. Chaska 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, Rochester ($52,835 effective) pays 16.69% more than Chaska ($45,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chaska if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,900)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,985/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,835)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Chaska grew -12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Chaska, MN
$48,673 (2024) → $42,793 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$45,590 (2019) → $46,042 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chaska, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chaska or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chaska and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Chaska to Rochester as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chaska vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
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