Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $37,619 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Grand Forks, ND earns a median $37,619/year (≈ $18.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Grand Forks's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.7), that paycheck buys what $43,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for a sterile processing technician in Grand Forks, North Dakota, stands at $37,619, significantly trailing the national median of $47,724 by approximately 21.17%. This local market offers a salary range from $35,518 at the 10th percentile to $59,941 at the 90th percentile, providing a snapshot of compensation variability driven by experience and skill level. Data derived from official BLS OEWS surveys reveals that the increasing demand for credentialed professionals in sterile processing is shaping the workforce post-2021, as hospital systems adapt to hiring standards that now prioritize certifications such as CRCST and other specialized credentials. The evolving job market in Grand Forks indicates a shift towards more structured career pathways in sterile processing, reflecting nationwide trends.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,518 | $17.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,619 | $18.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,619 | $18.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,185 | $23.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,941 | $28.83 |
Median Salary Position
21.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, ND, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,423 (2026 est.). At $37,619, the local median is 21.17% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Grand Forks: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Grand Forks Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Grand Forks median: $37,619/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Forks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $42,127 | -10.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -21.17% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $37,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.17% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 10.70% below the North Dakota state average of $42,127.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Forks has a cost of living 13.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Forks, ND has a cost-of-living index of 86.663 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $37,619 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,408 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,332
2025 BLS Actual
$36,096
2026 Current Est.
$37,619
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,332 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,559 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,619 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,207 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $28,332 (2019) to $36,096 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,207 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,875 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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) | $35,518 – $37,619 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,619 – $37,619 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,619 – $48,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,185 – $59,941 |
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 Grand Forks
With 30 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the area, Grand Forks offers a unique employment landscape. The relatively low cost-of-living index of 86.663 means that take-home pay can go further compared to many other regions, a notable factor for job seekers. Top employers in the region typically include local hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, with those holding advanced credentials, including CRCST, CIS, and CER, able to command higher salaries. The pay spectrum varies considerably based on factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight operations and the need for expedited surgical tray turnover in trauma settings. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Grand Forks, pursuing additional certifications and seeking employment in high-demand facilities can significantly impact their overall compensation.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
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 $36,096 for sterile processing techniciansin the Grand Forks 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, 2-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