Entry-Level Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Bloomington, MN: $40,823 (2026)
Quick Answer:New sterile processing technicians entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,823 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9093, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,500) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Recent graduates entering the sterile processing technician field in Bloomington, MN, can expect to see starting salaries around $40,823 in 2026. While this is lower than the city's median salary of $52,500, there are promising pathways for growth in the first few years of employment. With diligent effort and perhaps additional credentials, new professionals can move toward the 25th percentile figure of $42,865 within just a short time. Bloomington's current market is favorable for entry-level technicians, especially given the expected growth rate of 4.22%, suggesting that there will be more opportunities for skilled workers in this area over the next several years.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Entry-level sterile processing technicians in Bloomington, MN typically start between $40,823 and $42,865 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,540 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,500 — 10.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sterile processing program cost in Minnesota of $3,500 represents just 8.57% of the starting sterile processing technician pay ($40,823/year) in Bloomington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CBSPD and HSPA-aligned sterile processing program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, hospital-based, private vocational) and program length. Reported as SOC 31-9093 (Medical Equipment Preparers).
SPT, CRCST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level sterile processing technician pay ranges from $40,823 to $42,865, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the sterile processing field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Sterile Processing Technician Compensation Range
The sterile processing technician wage spread in Bloomington is $35,540 ( 87.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,823, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,363.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,541
2025 BLS Actual
$39,170
2026 Current Est.
$40,823
2019–2027 Growth
+49.1%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,541 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,531 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,963 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,599 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,823 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,546 | Projected |
Entry-level sterile processing technician compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 37.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,541 in 2019 to $39,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,546. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your sterile processing Career in Bloomington
In Bloomington, various employers actively hire entry-level sterile processing technicians, with many hospitals offering structured training through employer-paid CRCST programs. This approach provides a solid foundation for new grads, who can gain real-world experience while obtaining necessary certifications. Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) often present an attractive alternative to traditional hospital roles, allowing for predictable schedules without on-call obligations. Currently, credentials such as HSPA's CRCST certification, which requires 400 clinical hours, are becoming increasingly sought-after. In light of recent industry changes, where states like New Jersey and New York are tightening registration requirements, newcomers should be proactive about their professional development. Options for credential stacking, such as obtaining a CIS or CER certification, may enhance earning potential and open new career pathways. Realistically, entry-level salaries may rise significantly within the first three years as technicians gain experience and credentials, reflecting the evolving expectations of employers looking for qualified candidates in this growing field.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for sterile processing technicians in Bloomington in 2026?
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Is sterile processing school worth it in Bloomington?
What do new sterile processing technicians make right out of school in Bloomington?
How do I become a sterile processing technician in Minnesota?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new sterile processing graduates. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov