Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $53,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Minneapolis, MN earns a median $53,447/year (≈ $25.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Minneapolis's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 104.8), that paycheck buys what $50,988 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.4% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Minneapolis is projected to be $53,447, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $47,724. Salary ranges for this profession span from $45,413 at the lower end (P10) to $61,782 at the higher end (P90), indicating diverse earning potential within the field. This data originates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, which illustrate the strong demand for skilled professionals amidst a growing need for specialized roles such as endoscope reprocessing (CER). The expertise required in this subspecialty is helping to elevate salaries, placing sterile processing technician pay in Minneapolis MN above the national average by approximately 11.99%. As the healthcare sector continues to expand, opportunities for career advancement in this field are likely to grow, reflecting an increasing recognition of the importance of sterile processing.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,413 | $21.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,105 | $23.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,447 | $25.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,231 | $28.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,782 | $29.70 |
Median Salary Position
11.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, MN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,369 (2026 est.). At $53,447, the local median is 11.99% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Minneapolis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Minneapolis Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Minneapolis median: $53,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Minneapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $45,141 | +18.40% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +11.99% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $53,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.99% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 18.40% above the Minnesota state average of $45,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Minneapolis has a cost of living 4.82% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Minneapolis, MN has a cost-of-living index of 104.822 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,447 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,988 — a 4.6% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,530
2025 BLS Actual
$51,283
2026 Current Est.
$53,447
2019–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,283 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minneapolis metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 12.6% from $45,530 (2019) to $51,283 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,173 (22.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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) | $45,413 – $49,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,105 – $53,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,447 – $60,231 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,231 – $61,782 |
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 Minneapolis
Currently, there are about 920 sterile processing technicians employed in the Minneapolis area, a number that emphasizes the local job market's stability and demand for this essential role. The cost-of-living index in Minneapolis is 104.822, indicating that while salaries may be slightly above the national average, the increased living expenses can impact overall purchasing power for residents. Among top employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest wages, but ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical facilities are also competitive. The wage discrepancies can often be attributed to shift differentials for evening or weekend work, the benefits of advanced credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, and the implications of working in trauma center environments. For those looking to increase their earnings in the Minneapolis market, pursuing credential stack-ups and considering roles that involve more responsibility, such as supervisor or lead technician positions, can provide pathways to maximize their sterile processing technician salary in Minneapolis.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
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
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 $51,283 for sterile processing techniciansin the Minneapolis 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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