Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sioux Falls vs Vermillion: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Vermillion, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Sioux Falls, SD
$40,301
$19.38/hr
Vermillion, SD
$39,270
$18.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSioux Falls, SDVermillion, SD
Median Salary$40,301$39,270
Hourly Rate$19.38$18.88
Entry Level (P10)$31,696$32,549
25th Percentile$38,130$33,973
75th Percentile$46,074$47,567
Top Earner (P90)$51,056$53,835
Total Employed3006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sioux Falls ($40,301) and Vermillion ($39,270) sterile processing technician salaries.Sioux FallsVermillionMedian Salary$40,301$39,270Entry Level (P10)$31,696$32,549Top Earner (P90)$51,056$53,835US Median $47,724

Verdict

Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vermillion.

The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Vermillion is $1,031 (2.63%). 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 Sioux Falls spans $19,360,Vermillion spans $21,286. Vermillion has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Sioux Falls
P10 (Entry)$31,696
P25$38,130
Median$40,301
P75$46,074
P90 (Top)$51,056
Vermillion
P10 (Entry)$32,549
P25$33,973
Median$39,270
P75$47,567
P90 (Top)$53,835

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($44,467 effective) pays 5.08% more than Vermillion ($42,317 effective).

Sioux Falls
Nominal: $40,301
CoL Index: 90.631
Adjusted: $44,467
Vermillion
Nominal: $39,270
CoL Index: 92.8
Adjusted: $42,317

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Vermillion if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($53,835)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Sioux Falls grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Vermillion over the same period.

Sioux Falls, SD

+22.6%

$31,530 (2019) → $38,669 (2025)

Vermillion, SD

+4.7%

$36,000 (2024) → $37,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Sioux Falls or Vermillion?

Sioux Falls has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $40,301/year, compared to Vermillion at $39,270/year — a difference of $1,031 (2.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Vermillion?

Sioux Falls sterile processing technicians earn $19.38/hr while Vermillion hygienists earn $18.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Vermillion as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sioux Falls and Vermillion. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sioux Falls = $44,467, Vermillion = $42,317), job availability (300 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Sioux Falls vs Vermillion?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $31,696 in Sioux Falls and $32,549 in Vermillion. The Vermillion 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