Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $25.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Minneapolis, MN runs $25.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,074 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Minneapolis, the projected sterile processing technician hourly pay in 2026 is $25.70, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This robust hourly income reflects the value placed on these technicians in hospitals and surgical facilities, where they often work in specialized environments such as SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, endoscope reprocessing rooms, and central instrument delivery routes. Entry-level technicians might earn around $21.83 per hour, while the top 10% can reach up to $29.70, providing a clear financial incentive for advancement through certification in areas such as CRCST, CIS, or CER. Such credentials have become increasingly important since many organizations shifted to a credential-required workforce after 2021, elevating the proficiency and marketability of those seeking employment in sterile processing.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.83 | $174.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.62 | $188.93 |
| Median (P50) | $25.70 | $205.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.95 | $231.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.70 | $237.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $25.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.70/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $53,457 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,841. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,028.03 | $4,455 | $53,457 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.82 | $2,673 | $32,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.21 | $1,782 | $21,383 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Minneapolis) | $25.70 |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $53,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.99% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 18.40% above the Minnesota state average of $45,141.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.70/hr = $32,074/year (purchasing power: $30,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,457/year (purchasing power: $50,998).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Minneapolis grew 12.7% from $21.89/hr (2019) to $24.66/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.79/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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
Assessing the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Minneapolis is essential for understanding the dynamics of hourly pay. A technician working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, would expect to take home approximately $31,785 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who earn significantly higher wages. Per diem positions are also worthwhile, with pay rates for agency technicians ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, depending on experience and location. In particular, those holding CER credentials can command hourly rates between $28 to $40 in agency placements due to the rising demand for specialized endoscope reprocessors. Factors such as employment type play a vital role in hourly compensation, with hospitals typically offering more stability and benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers and specialty providers might pay higher rates without health coverage. Understanding these nuances can empower sterile processing technicians to negotiate effectively, balancing their preferences for hourly pay against the benefits of a structured employment environment.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Minneapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Minneapolis?
Are sterile processing technicians in Minneapolis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Minneapolis?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Minneapolis?
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 Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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