Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Madison vs Menomonie: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Madison, WI and Menomonie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$49,625
$23.86/hr
Menomonie, WI
$44,888
$21.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMenomonie, WI
Median Salary$49,625$44,888
Hourly Rate$23.86$21.58
Entry Level (P10)$41,582$35,439
25th Percentile$48,295$37,548
75th Percentile$59,300$53,164
Top Earner (P90)$60,942$61,123
Total Employed2204
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($49,625) and Menomonie ($44,888) sterile processing technician salaries.MadisonMenomonieMedian Salary$49,625$44,888Entry Level (P10)$41,582$35,439Top Earner (P90)$60,942$61,123US Median $47,724

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Menomonie.

The salary gap between Madison and Menomonie is $4,737 (10.55%). Madison's median is +3.98% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $19,360,Menomonie spans $25,684. Menomonie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$41,582
P25$48,295
Median$49,625
P75$59,300
P90 (Top)$60,942
Menomonie
P10 (Entry)$35,439
P25$37,548
Median$44,888
P75$53,164
P90 (Top)$61,123

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($51,009 effective) pays 6.14% more than Menomonie ($48,060 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $49,625
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $51,009
Menomonie
Nominal: $44,888
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $48,060

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,625/year)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,009)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Menomonie if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($61,123)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Madison grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Menomonie over the same period.

Madison, WI

+25.1%

$38,060 (2019) → $47,616 (2025)

Menomonie, WI

+5.6%

$40,769 (2024) → $43,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Madison or Menomonie?

Madison has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $49,625/year, compared to Menomonie at $44,888/year — a difference of $4,737 (10.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Menomonie?

Madison sterile processing technicians earn $23.86/hr while Menomonie hygienists earn $21.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Menomonie as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Menomonie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $51,009, Menomonie = $48,060), job availability (220 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Madison vs Menomonie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $41,582 in Madison and $35,439 in Menomonie. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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