Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $19.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Pierre, SD runs $19.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,944 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,971 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the projected hourly pay for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is set at $19.21, which falls below the national median of $22.94. This rate suggests that technicians working part-time—perhaps three days a week—could earn approximately $24,000 annually, focusing their efforts in various environments such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For those new to the field, entry-level positions might start at about $14.83 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $26.94 per hour, reflecting the range of skills and responsibilities associated with the role. As the industry evolves, especially following the recent emphasis on certified training and credentialing, these hourly figures are expected to adjust, demonstrating the changing landscape of compensation for sterile processing technicians in Pierre.
About the Pierre 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) | $14.83 | $118.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.02 | $136.15 |
| Median (P50) | $19.21 | $153.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.23 | $185.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.94 | $215.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $19.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.21/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $39,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,049. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $768.31 | $3,329 | $39,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $460.99 | $1,998 | $23,971 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.32 | $1,332 | $15,981 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Pierre) | $19.21 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $39,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $42,494.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.21/hr = $23,971/year (purchasing power: $25,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,952/year (purchasing power: $43,052).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pierre grew 27.4% from $14.47/hr (2019) to $18.43/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.02/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Examining part-time versus full-time earnings can shed light on the financial potential within this profession. Working a 24-hour week as a sterile processing technician could yield around $19,000 to $24,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who enjoy higher overall compensation. For those who prefer flexibility, per diem work provides an alternative, where sterile processing technicians commonly bill between $22 to $32 hourly. Moreover, specialized technicians who are certified in endoscope reprocessing may see pay rates ranging from $28 to $40 per hour, particularly in agency roles which often lead to more lucrative contracts, such as travel SPD positions paying $1,000 to $1,500 weekly in high-demand areas. Differences in pay are also apparent based on employer types across Pierre; while hospitals may offer steadiness and benefits, other settings like outpatient surgical centers could provide higher hourly rates without the same level of benefits. It's crucial for technicians to consider their priorities, balancing the trade-offs between a higher hourly wage and enticing health insurance packages. For those negotiating offers, understanding local pay scales and the demand for credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER can enhance their position in discussions about salary and benefits.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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