Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,301 | $40,881▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.38 | $19.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,696 | $33,212▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,130▲ | $34,877 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,074 | $49,058▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,056 | $56,701▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Watertown, SD offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $580 (1.44%). Watertown's median is -14.34% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $19,360,Watertown spans $23,489. Watertown 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, Sioux Falls ($44,467 effective) pays 0.94% more than Watertown ($44,053 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,467)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,881/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,701)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Sioux Falls grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$31,530 (2019) → $38,669 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$37,477 (2024) → $39,226 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Sioux Falls or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Watertown as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Sioux Falls vs Watertown?
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