Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, MN: $21.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Apple Valley, MN runs $21.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,753 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apple Valley, Minnesota, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians stands at a median of $21.03. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94, reflecting both regional economic factors and the specific market for healthcare roles. For those considering part-time or per-diem work in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized reprocessing rooms, this hourly rate translates effectively into real-time earnings. A part-time technician working three days a week can expect to bring home a consistent income while taking on varying shift options. With the hourly rates ranging from $16.28 at the entry level to $30.48 for experienced professionals, Apple Valley offers a competitive wage structure reflective of the evolving demands in the sterile processing field.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.28 | $130.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.56 | $140.49 |
| Median (P50) | $21.03 | $168.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.23 | $209.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.48 | $243.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $21.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.03/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, MN can expect to earn approximately $43,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,238. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $841.26 | $3,645 | $43,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $504.76 | $2,187 | $26,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $336.51 | $1,458 | $17,498 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Apple Valley) | $21.03 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Apple Valley, MN earn a median of $43,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.32% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.00% below the Minnesota state average of $45,106.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.03/hr = $26,247/year (purchasing power: $26,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,746/year (purchasing power: $44,412).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley grew 27.4% from $15.84/hr (2019) to $20.18/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Apple Valley
Looking beyond the surface, part-time sterile processing technicians who work 24 hours a week might find their annual take-home earnings considerably different than their full-time peers, although specific figures often fluctuate based on actual hours worked and shift differentials. For per-diem or agency technicians, the pay can range from $22 to $32 per hour, and those with specialized certification in endoscope reprocessing might command even higher rates, between $28 and $40. Recent trends in the market have also led to travel contracts offering substantial weekly pay, often totaling $1,000 to $1,500. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type; larger hospital systems and outpatient facilities may offer higher compensation along with benefits, while smaller practices may provide a higher hourly wage with less stability in terms of hours and benefits. Therefore, technicians often face a choice between the security of benefits and the allure of higher pay without them. Knowing how to negotiate these terms can significantly influence the overall compensation structure for sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Apple Valley?
Are sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Apple Valley?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Apple Valley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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