Minneapolis vs Bloomington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Bloomington, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Bloomington, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,447▲ | $52,500 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.70▲ | $25.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,413▲ | $40,823 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,105▲ | $42,865 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,231 | $64,440▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,782 | $76,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Bloomington is $947 (1.80%). Minneapolis's median is +11.99% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $16,369,Bloomington spans $35,540. Bloomington 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, Bloomington ($53,299 effective) pays 4.53% more than Minneapolis ($50,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,447/year)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,363)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,299)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Minneapolis grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Bloomington over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$45,530 (2019) → $51,283 (2025)
Bloomington, MN
$47,894 (2024) → $50,374 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Bloomington, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Minneapolis or Bloomington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Bloomington?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Bloomington as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Minneapolis vs Bloomington?
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