Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Apple Valley, MN: $43,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Apple Valley, MN earns a median $43,753/year (≈ $21.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $44,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley, Minnesota can expect a median annual salary of $43,753, which is approximately 8.32% lower than the national median salary of $47,724. With a salary range stretching from $33,859 at the 10th percentile up to $63,408 at the 90th percentile, local compensation is influenced by factors such as shift differentials related to evening and overnight surgical tray turnover. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and account for regional cost adjustments. The job market in Apple Valley reflects a steady demand, providing technicians with a compensation structure that balances the unique challenges and responsibilities of the role.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,859 | $16.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,525 | $17.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,753 | $21.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,557 | $26.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,408 | $30.48 |
Median Salary Position
8.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, MN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,549 (2026 est.). At $43,753, the local median is 8.32% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apple Valley Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $43,753/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $45,106 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.32% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $43,753 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,419 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,951
2025 BLS Actual
$41,981
2026 Current Est.
$43,753
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,951 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,638 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,851 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,981 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,599 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,951 (2019) to $41,981 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,599 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,648 (38.38%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,859 – $36,525 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,525 – $43,753 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,753 – $54,557 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,557 – $63,408 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Apple Valley
The local employment landscape for sterile processing technicians is modest, with 13 professionals currently in this specialized field. Given Apple Valley’s cost of living index of 98.5, which is slightly below the national average, take-home pay may stretch further for residents. While hospitals typically offer competitive wages, ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical practices may provide the highest pay, particularly for roles requiring additional credentials such as CRCST, CIS, or CER. Factors like shift differentials for evening shifts, the complexity of procedures, and supervisory roles can significantly influence the pay scale. To maximize earning potential in Apple Valley, technicians should consider pursuing further certifications and aim for positions in high-demand facilities, which can lead to higher pay brackets, especially in environments with a trauma center designation.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Apple Valley, MN in 2026?
Is Apple Valley, MN a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Apple Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Apple Valley?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Apple Valley?
Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,981 for sterile processing techniciansin the Apple Valley metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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