Grand Forks vs Minot: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,619 | $41,394▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.09 | $19.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,518▲ | $31,873 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,619▲ | $34,235 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,185 | $49,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,941▲ | $58,403 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Grand Forks and Minot are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $3,775 (10.03%). Minot's median is -13.26% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $24,423,Minot spans $26,530. Minot 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, Minot ($44,993 effective) pays 3.65% more than Grand Forks ($43,408 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,941)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,394/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,993)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Grand Forks grew -15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.4% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$42,559 (2024) → $36,096 (2025)
Minot, ND
$41,561 (2024) → $39,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Grand Forks or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Minot?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Minot as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Grand Forks vs Minot?
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