Bismarck vs Dickinson: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bismarck, ND and Dickinson, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Dickinson, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,935▲ | $41,214 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.05▲ | $19.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,989▲ | $31,391 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,120▲ | $33,865 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,586▲ | $48,658 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,001▲ | $60,234 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Dickinson is $6,721 (16.31%). Bismarck's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $23,012,Dickinson spans $28,843. Dickinson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($52,662 effective) pays 17.55% more than Dickinson ($44,798 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,935/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,001)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,662)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bismarck grew 23.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -4.4% growth in Dickinson over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$37,310 (2021) → $45,994 (2025)
Dickinson, ND
$41,380 (2024) → $39,545 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Dickinson, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bismarck or Dickinson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Dickinson?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Dickinson as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bismarck vs Dickinson?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov