Denver vs Windsor: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Denver, CO and Windsor, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Windsor, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,513 | $48,336▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.89 | $23.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,779 | $37,415▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,540 | $40,274▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,680 | $58,611▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,203 | $68,671▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Windsor, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Windsor is $2,823 (6.20%). Windsor's median is +1.28% 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,Windsor spans $31,256. Windsor 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, Windsor ($46,034 effective) pays 6.99% 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 Windsor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,336/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,671)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,034)
- ✓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 Windsor over the same period.
Denver, CO
$43,910 (2019) → $43,670 (2025)
Windsor, CO
$49,743 (2024) → $46,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Windsor, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Denver or Windsor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Windsor?
Should I relocate from Denver to Windsor as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Denver vs Windsor?
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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