Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Colorado Springs vs Longmont: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Longmont, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Colorado Springs, CO
$51,566
$24.79/hr
Longmont, CO
$48,212
$23.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColorado Springs, COLongmont, CO
Median Salary$51,566$48,212
Hourly Rate$24.79$23.18
Entry Level (P10)$34,707$38,471
25th Percentile$44,753$41,118
75th Percentile$62,071$59,858
Top Earner (P90)$64,153$71,446
Total Employed18015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Colorado Springs ($51,566) and Longmont ($48,212) sterile processing technician salaries.Colorado SpringsLongmontMedian Salary$51,566$48,212Entry Level (P10)$34,707$38,471Top Earner (P90)$64,153$71,446US Median $47,724

Verdict

Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Longmont.

The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Longmont is $3,354 (6.96%). Colorado Springs's median is +8.05% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $29,446,Longmont spans $32,975. Longmont has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Colorado Springs
P10 (Entry)$34,707
P25$44,753
Median$51,566
P75$62,071
P90 (Top)$64,153
Longmont
P10 (Entry)$38,471
P25$41,118
Median$48,212
P75$59,858
P90 (Top)$71,446

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($51,204 effective) pays 11.52% more than Longmont ($45,916 effective).

Colorado Springs
Nominal: $51,566
CoL Index: 100.707
Adjusted: $51,204
Longmont
Nominal: $48,212
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $45,916

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Colorado Springs if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,566/year)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,204)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Longmont if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($71,446)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Colorado Springs grew 41.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Longmont over the same period.

Colorado Springs, CO

+41.0%

$35,100 (2019) → $49,478 (2025)

Longmont, CO

+-6.8%

$49,615 (2024) → $46,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Colorado Springs or Longmont?

Colorado Springs has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $51,566/year, compared to Longmont at $48,212/year — a difference of $3,354 (6.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Longmont?

Colorado Springs sterile processing technicians earn $24.79/hr while Longmont hygienists earn $23.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Longmont as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Colorado Springs and Longmont. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Colorado Springs = $51,204, Longmont = $45,916), job availability (180 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Colorado Springs vs Longmont?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $34,707 in Colorado Springs and $38,471 in Longmont. The Longmont area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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