Boulder vs Lakewood: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,138▲ | $49,012 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.02▲ | $23.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,932▲ | $38,072 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,102▲ | $41,184 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,561 | $61,247▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,487 | $73,730▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Boulder and Lakewood is $5,126 (10.46%). Boulder's median is +13.44% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $29,555,Lakewood spans $35,658. Lakewood 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, Boulder ($51,461 effective) pays 10.25% more than Lakewood ($46,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,138/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,461)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,730)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Boulder grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$39,360 (2019) → $51,946 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$50,438 (2024) → $47,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Boulder or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Lakewood as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Boulder vs Lakewood?
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