Denver vs Erie: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Denver, CO and Erie, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Erie, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,513 | $48,458▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.89 | $23.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,779 | $37,714▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,540 | $40,526▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,680 | $57,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,203 | $67,369▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Erie, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Erie is $2,945 (6.47%). Erie's median is +1.54% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $29,424,Erie spans $29,655. Erie 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, Erie ($46,150 effective) pays 7.26% more than Denver ($43,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,369)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,150)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Denver grew -0.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Erie over the same period.
Denver, CO
$43,910 (2019) → $43,670 (2025)
Erie, CO
$49,868 (2024) → $46,496 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Denver or Erie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Erie?
Should I relocate from Denver to Erie as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Denver vs Erie?
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