Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Winona, MN: $42,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Winona, MN earns a median $42,768/year (≈ $20.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Winona's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $43,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected earning potential for sterile processing technicians in Winona, Minnesota, stands at a median annual salary of $42,768. The local salary range varies significantly, from $33,957 at the lower end (P10) to $60,036 for those in higher-paying positions (P90). This pay scale reflects estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, illustrating the financial dynamics within the local job market. Factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight surgical tray turnover can significantly drive compensation, creating additional income opportunities for technicians willing to work less conventional hours.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,957 | $16.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,130 | $17.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,768 | $20.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,419 | $24.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,036 | $28.86 |
Median Salary Position
10.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
In Winona, MN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,079 (2026 est.). At $42,768, the local median is 10.38% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winona Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Winona median: $42,768/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $45,114 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.38% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Winona, MN earn a median of $42,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $45,114.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winona 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.
Winona, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,768 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,419 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,209
2025 BLS Actual
$41,036
2026 Current Est.
$42,768
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,379 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,954 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,573 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winona metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,209 (2019) to $41,036 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,573 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,364 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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) | $33,957 – $36,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,130 – $42,768 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,768 – $51,419 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,419 – $60,036 |
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 Winona
The job market in Winona currently employs four sterile processing technicians, providing limited but steady opportunities in this niche sector. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the purchasing power of salaries here is slightly below the national average, impacting how far a technician's earnings can stretch in daily life. Local employers, including hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, typically pay the most, but variances in pay arise from factors like specialty credentials, experience, and workplace settings. Those with advanced certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER may find themselves positioned for higher wages, especially in trauma centers where the demands are more rigorous. To maximize earning potential in Winona's market, technicians should pursue credential stacking, seek overtime in high-demand periods, and consider positions that offer supervisory responsibilities, which often come with enhanced pay structures.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Winona, MN in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Winona?
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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 $41,036 for sterile processing techniciansin the Winona 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 Winona 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