Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $21.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Rapid City, SD runs $21.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,484 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,301 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Rapid City, the hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is projected to be $21.88 in 2026, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This translates to different earning scenarios for workers, particularly those who are part-time or per-diem. For instance, a technician working three days a week could earn roughly $1,050 per month before taxes, a rate which is competitive within the local healthcare environment. Hourly earnings can vary significantly based on experience and specific responsibilities, with entry-level positions starting at $18.42 per hour and more experienced technicians potentially reaching $28.30 per hour. These figures are among the official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrate the diverse earning potential available in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized instrument processing rooms.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.42 | $147.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.87 | $150.99 |
| Median (P50) | $21.88 | $175.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.66 | $181.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.30 | $226.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $21.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.88/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $45,502 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,251. With a cost-of-living index of 89.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $875.03 | $3,792 | $45,502 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.02 | $2,275 | $27,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.01 | $1,517 | $18,201 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Rapid City) | $21.88 |
| 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 Rapid City, SD earn a median of $45,484 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.00% above the South Dakota state average of $42,508.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.88/hr = $27,301/year (purchasing power: $30,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,502/year (purchasing power: $51,034).
CoL index: 89.16 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rapid City grew 27.4% from $16.48/hr (2019) to $20.99/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.80/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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City
Part-time sterile processing technicians in Rapid City can expect their earnings to differ from full-time colleagues due to fewer hours worked. When engaging in a part-time role of roughly 24 hours per week, the total annual income can be significantly lower compared to a full-time salary, which generally offers more stability and benefits. For those in per-diem positions, the reality is equally unique; while they may bill between $22 and $32 per hour for their expertise, credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command much higher rates, from $28 to $40 in agency placements. Additionally, travel contracts have emerged in post-2020 markets, offering between $1,000 to $1,500 per week, appealing to those willing to relocate temporarily. The pay structure also varies depending on the employer type, whether it’s a hospital SPD or a dental specialty practice, influencing both hourly rates and available benefits. Technicians must weigh options carefully; while some may take lower hourly rates for consistent health insurance, others might prefer higher pay without benefits. When negotiating for better pay, it’s advisable to understand the local market dynamics in Rapid City, including the importance of credentials like CRCST and CER, which have gained recognition since the post-2021 hiring shift.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rapid City in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Rapid City?
Are sterile processing technicians in Rapid City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Rapid City?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rapid City?
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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 Rapid City. 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, 2-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