Denver vs Fort Collins: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,513 | $51,387▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.89 | $24.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,779▲ | $34,888 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,540 | $42,502▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,680 | $62,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,203 | $71,647▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,280 | N/A |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $5,874 (12.91%). Fort Collins's median is +7.68% 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,Fort Collins spans $36,759. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($50,814 effective) pays 18.10% 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 Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,387/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,647)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,814)
- ✓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 30.5% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$43,910 (2019) → $43,670 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$37,770 (2019) → $49,306 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Denver or Fort Collins?
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Should I relocate from Denver to Fort Collins as a sterile processing technician?
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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