Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $19.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Aberdeen, SD runs $19.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,244 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the pay for a sterile processing technician reflects local market conditions, with an hourly median rate of $19.43. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $22.94, which may impact both full-time and part-time workers in various healthcare settings. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can be significant; it translates to essential earnings while working in environments like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgical centers, or endoscope reprocessing rooms. The hourly wages for sterile processing technicians in Aberdeen vary widely, ranging from $15.51 for entry-level positions to $27.33 for experienced technicians, illustrating how one's experience and expertise can influence pay in this in-demand field.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.51 | $124.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.48 | $131.82 |
| Median (P50) | $19.43 | $155.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.87 | $190.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.33 | $218.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $19.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.43/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $40,407 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,312. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $777.06 | $3,367 | $40,407 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $466.24 | $2,020 | $24,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $310.83 | $1,347 | $16,163 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Aberdeen) | $19.43 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $40,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.34% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $42,532.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.43/hr = $24,244/year (purchasing power: $26,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,407/year (purchasing power: $43,542).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Aberdeen grew 27.4% from $14.63/hr (2019) to $18.64/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.25/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
The potential earnings for part-time workers can present an interesting scenario. For a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week, the yearly earnings can dramatically differ from full-time counterparts, contributing a sizeable amount to their income. Per-diem positions can prove lucrative, with rates often between $22-$32 per hour, while credentialed endoscope reprocessors may command $28-$40 in agency roles. Various employment settings, such as hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and third-party service providers, may influence pay rates as well. Some technicians may prefer lower hourly wages while receiving robust benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in their choices. Effective negotiation skills can also help local technicians secure more favorable pay in Aberdeen, especially with the growing demand for certified and credentialed professionals in sterile processing.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Aberdeen in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Aberdeen?
Are sterile processing technicians in Aberdeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Aberdeen?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Aberdeen?
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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
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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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