Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Watertown, SD: $40,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Watertown, SD earns a median $40,881/year (≈ $19.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $44,053 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the sterile processing technician salary in Watertown, South Dakota, is projected to reach a median of $40,881, reflecting a shift towards credential-required hiring that many hospitals have adopted since 2021. The salary range for this role spans from $33,212 at the lower end (P10) to $56,701 for those in higher-paying positions (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, indicating a competitive salary landscape for those in this field. Given the evolving standards for sterile processing positions, job seekers in Watertown are presented with opportunities to secure stable employment, particularly in hospitals and specialized surgical centers.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,212 | $15.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,877 | $16.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,881 | $19.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,058 | $23.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,701 | $27.26 |
Median Salary Position
14.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,489 (2026 est.). At $40,881, the local median is 14.34% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Watertown median: $40,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $42,496 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -14.34% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Watertown, SD earn a median of $40,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.34% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $42,496.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown 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.
Watertown, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $40,881 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,053 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,789
2025 BLS Actual
$39,226
2026 Current Est.
$40,881
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,236 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,607 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $30,789 (2019) to $39,226 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,607 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,818 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $33,212 – $34,877 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,877 – $40,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,881 – $49,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,058 – $56,701 |
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 Watertown
Looking at the local market, there are currently six sterile processing technicians employed in Watertown, indicating a niche, albeit stable, job environment. With a cost of living index at 92.8, residents can expect their earnings to stretch further than in many other regions, positively affecting their take-home purchasing power. While hospital sterile processing departments tend to offer more competitive wages, especially for those who hold multiple certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, opportunities in ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices are also prevalent. Factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts, along with potential supervisory roles, can significantly influence pay. Those looking to maximize their earnings in the Watertown SD market may consider obtaining additional certifications or seeking roles that offer these pay incentives.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Watertown?
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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 $39,226 for sterile processing techniciansin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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