Denver vs Fountain: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Denver, CO and Fountain, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fountain, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,513 | $46,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.89 | $22.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,779 | $37,063▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,540▲ | $39,388 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,680▲ | $57,010 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,203 | $67,087▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fountain, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Fountain is $988 (2.17%). Fountain's median is -2.56% 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,Fountain spans $30,024. Fountain 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, Fountain ($44,287 effective) pays 2.93% 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 Fountain if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,501/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,087)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,287)
- ✓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 Fountain over the same period.
Denver, CO
$43,910 (2019) → $43,670 (2025)
Fountain, CO
$47,854 (2024) → $44,618 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fountain, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Denver or Fountain?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Fountain?
Should I relocate from Denver to Fountain as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Denver vs Fountain?
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