Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Mankato, MN: $43,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Mankato, MN earns a median $43,391/year (≈ $20.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $44,052 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mankato, Minnesota, the sterile processing technician salary is projected to reach a median of $43,391 in 2026, reflecting the increasing demand and specialization within the field. The salary spectrum ranges from $35,471 at the lower end (P10) to $63,645 at the high end (P90), indicating a promising opportunity for professionals specializing in endoscope reprocessing (CER). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and are adjusted for regional cost variations. With Mankato’s job market featuring a few sterile processing technicians, this presents a unique scenario where opportunities for advancement could potentially grow as healthcare demands shift and evolve.
About the Mankato Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,471 | $17.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,410 | $17.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,391 | $20.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,269 | $24.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,645 | $30.60 |
Median Salary Position
9.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,174 (2026 est.). At $43,391, the local median is 9.08% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mankato Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Mankato median: $43,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $45,105 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -9.08% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Mankato, MN earn a median of $43,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.08% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $45,105.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato 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.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $43,391 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,052 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,679
2025 BLS Actual
$41,634
2026 Current Est.
$43,391
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,679 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,866 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,222 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,679 (2019) to $41,634 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,222 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,543 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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) | $35,471 – $37,410 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,410 – $43,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,391 – $51,269 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,269 – $63,645 |
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 Mankato
As you consider the sterile processing technician pay in Mankato, MN, it’s important to factor in the local job market and cost of living. Currently, only eight sterile processing technicians are employed in this area, suggesting a tight-knit community where experienced professionals may find enriching opportunities for career growth. The cost-of-living index sits at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which could enhance purchasing power for those in the role. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and specialized surgical centers typically offer the highest wages, influenced by factors like shift differentials and credential stacking (such as CRCST + CIS + CER). Maximizing pay in Mankato may involve pursuing additional credentials, seeking roles in high-demand specialties, and being willing to work varied shifts, including evenings or weekends.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Mankato, MN in 2026?
Is Mankato, MN a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Mankato?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Mankato?
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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 $41,634 for sterile processing techniciansin the Mankato 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 Mankato 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