Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Richfield, MN: $43,468 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Richfield, MN earns a median $43,468/year (≈ $20.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Richfield's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $44,130 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Richfield, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $43,468, reflecting local estimates adjusted for the region's cost of living. The salary range for this role spans from $35,476 at the 10th percentile to $62,368 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a significant variance based on experience, credentials, and workplace setting. Factors such as specialization, particularly in endoscope reprocessing—a growing area within the field—may lead to higher compensation. These figures stem from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, offering a reliable snapshot of the current market in Richfield. The job market remains steady with a limited number of employed technicians, indicating a competitive environment for available positions.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,476 | $17.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,569 | $18.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,468 | $20.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,451 | $24.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,368 | $29.98 |
Median Salary Position
8.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richfield
In Richfield, MN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,892 (2026 est.). At $43,468, the local median is 8.92% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richfield Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Richfield median: $43,468/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $45,138 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.92% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Richfield, MN earn a median of $43,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.92% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $45,138.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richfield 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.
Richfield, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $43,468 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,130 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,737
2025 BLS Actual
$41,708
2026 Current Est.
$43,468
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,737 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,269 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,592 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,468 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,302 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richfield metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,737 (2019) to $41,708 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,302 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,565 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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) | $35,476 – $37,569 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,569 – $43,468 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,468 – $51,451 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,451 – $62,368 |
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 Richfield
The current local employment scene comprises just nine sterile processing technicians, highlighting job scarcity amid a cost-of-living index of 98.5, which is slightly below the national average. This situation influences take-home pay, as local employers, including hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental specialty practices, dictate pay structures. Those seeking higher wages should consider specializing in areas such as evening and overnight shifts, which often include differential pay, or pursuing advanced credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Additionally, understanding that trauma center designations generally offer better pay can help technicians strategize their career paths effectively. Adapting to the job market's evolving demands, with credential requirements becoming more stringent, will serve aspiring technicians well in maximizing their earning potential in Richfield, MN.
More salary data for Richfield, 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 $41,708 for sterile processing techniciansin the Richfield 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 Richfield 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