Pierre vs Sioux Falls: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Pierre, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,944 | $40,301▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.21 | $19.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,856 | $31,696▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,391 | $38,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,321▲ | $46,074 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,027▲ | $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 Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Sioux Falls is $357 (0.89%). 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 Pierre spans $25,171,Sioux Falls spans $19,360. Pierre 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 3.31% more than Pierre ($43,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,027)
- ✓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 Pierre grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$36,618 (2024) → $38,327 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$31,530 (2019) → $38,669 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Pierre or Sioux Falls?
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Should I relocate from Pierre to Sioux Falls as a sterile processing technician?
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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