Duluth vs Plymouth: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Duluth, MN and Plymouth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Plymouth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,824▲ | $44,661 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.99▲ | $21.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,919▲ | $32,442 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,223▲ | $38,373 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,088▲ | $54,031 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,479 | $63,818▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Plymouth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Plymouth is $3,163 (7.08%). Duluth's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $18,560,Plymouth spans $31,376. Plymouth 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, Duluth ($53,875 effective) pays 18.82% more than Plymouth ($45,341 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,824/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,875)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Plymouth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,818)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Duluth grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.1% growth in Plymouth over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$39,780 (2019) → $45,888 (2025)
Plymouth, MN
$48,740 (2024) → $42,853 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Plymouth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Duluth or Plymouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Plymouth?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Plymouth as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Duluth vs Plymouth?
Related Comparisons
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