Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Pierre, SD: $39,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Pierre, SD earns a median $39,944/year (≈ $19.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $43,043 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the salary for sterile processing technicians is projected to sit at $39,944 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $47,724. The pay range indicates a wide disparity, from $30,856 at the lower end to $56,027 at the upper end of the scale, highlighting the various factors influencing compensation in the local job market. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost differences, reflecting the unique circumstances of the healthcare environment in Pierre. The job market for sterile processing technicians remains competitive, particularly with the increased emphasis on maintaining sterile environments in healthcare facilities, which can impact salary levels.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,856 | $14.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,391 | $17.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,944 | $19.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,321 | $23.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,027 | $26.94 |
Median Salary Position
16.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,171 (2026 est.). At $39,944, the local median is 16.3% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Pierre median: $39,944/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $42,494 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -16.30% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Pierre, SD earn a median of $39,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $42,494.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $39,944 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,043 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,083
2025 BLS Actual
$38,327
2026 Current Est.
$39,944
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,176 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,618 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,630 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $30,083 (2019) to $38,327 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,630 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,547 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $30,856 – $35,391 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,391 – $39,944 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,944 – $48,321 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,321 – $56,027 |
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 Pierre
Currently, there are four sterile processing technicians employed in Pierre, making job availability slightly limited in this area. The cost-of-living index in Pierre is 92.8, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power remains relatively stable for workers in this field. Facilities such as local hospitals often pay more compared to ambulatory surgery centers or dental specialty practices. Factors driving the variation in compensation levels include evening and overnight shift differentials that can contribute significantly to earnings. Moreover, credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER can enhance employability and justify higher pay rates. To maximize earnings in Pierre, technicians are advised to pursue additional certifications and seek positions in trauma centers or specialized surgical environments, where the potential for increased pay is notably higher.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 $38,327 for sterile processing techniciansin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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