Colorado Springs vs Thornton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,566▲ | $49,744 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.79▲ | $23.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,707 | $35,893▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,753▲ | $39,718 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,071 | $63,132▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,153 | $76,205▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Thornton is $1,822 (3.66%). 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,Thornton spans $40,312. Thornton 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, Colorado Springs ($51,204 effective) pays 8.08% more than Thornton ($47,375 effective).
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 Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,205)
- ✓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 Thornton over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$35,100 (2019) → $49,478 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$51,191 (2024) → $47,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Colorado Springs or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Thornton as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Colorado Springs vs Thornton?
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