Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Castle Rock, CO: $23.19 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Castle Rock, CO runs $23.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Castle Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,940 per year.

$48,242
Median Annual Salary
$23.19/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,347
Entry Level (P10)
$68,488
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Castle Rock, CO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Castle Rock, CO sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Castle Rock, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $23.19, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $22.94. This competitive rate not only attracts skilled professionals but also benefits part-time workers, especially those looking to balance work in settings like hospital sterile processing departments or ambulatory surgery centers. For instance, a technician working three days a week would earn approximately $1,116 monthly based on a 24-hour work schedule. The hourly wage for this role ranges from $18.44 at the entry-level (P10) to $32.92 for top earners (P90), providing various opportunities for growth within the field. Such dynamics allow professionals in Castle Rock to thrive financially while meeting the demands of this growing industry.

About the Castle Rock Market

Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.44$147.49
Lower Range (P25)$19.80$158.41
Median (P50)$23.19$185.51
Upper Range (P75)$27.93$223.45
Top Earners (P90)$32.92$263.38

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Castle Rock

Based on $23.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Castle Rock earning $23.19/hr would make approximately $27,827 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $48,233 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$27,827Reduced (32 hr/wk)$37,102Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$48,233

At $23.19/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Castle Rock, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,827. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Castle Rock.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$185.51
per 8hr shift
$927.56
per week
$4,019
per month
$48,233
per year

Schedule Comparison in Castle Rock

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$927.56$4,019$48,233
Part-Time (24 hrs)$556.53$2,412$28,940
Per Diem (16 hrs)$371.02$1,608$19,293

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Castle Rock)$23.19
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Castle Rock ($48,242) with Colorado average ($48,977) and the US national median ($47,724).Castle Rock$48,242Colorado Avg$48,977-1.50%US National$47,724+1.09%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Castle Rock, CO earn a median of $48,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.09% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $48,977.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $23.19/hr = $28,940/year (purchasing power: $27,562).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,233/year (purchasing power: $45,936).

CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$17.46/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$22.25/hr

2026 Current Est.

$23.19/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Castle Rock (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock. Baseline $17.46/hr in 2025, projected to $24.17/hr by 2027.$16$18$21$23$262019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.46$18.10$17.83$19.35$21.12$23.87$22.25$23.19$24.17
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.46/hrActual
2020$18.10/hrActual
2021$17.83/hrActual
2022$19.35/hrActual
2023$21.12/hrActual
2024$23.87/hrActual
2025$22.25/hrActual
2026(current)$23.19/hrEstimated
2027$24.17/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock grew 27.4% from $17.46/hr (2019) to $22.25/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.17/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Castle Rock metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Castle Rock

Hourly pay for sterile processing technicians also varies depending on the type of employment. Part-time workers, earning $23.19 hourly, would take home about $13,392 annually compared to full-time professionals who enjoy a higher cumulative income. The flexibility of per diem work is appealing, with rates ranging from $22 to $32.58 for agency placements, and specialized technicians in endoscope reprocessing may earn up to $40 hourly. These variations often depend on employer type, with hospitals and specialty surgical centers typically offering different compensation structures than third-party processing firms. Additionally, technicians must weigh their options between hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance, which may lead some to accept lower wages for more comprehensive coverage. To enhance bargaining power, professionals in Castle Rock could consider discussing benefits during job negotiations, aiming for a balance that aligns with their career goals and personal circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock is $23.19/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $18.44 at entry level (10th percentile) to $32.92 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Castle Rock?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Castle Rock earns approximately $2,412/month, or $28,940/year at the median hourly rate of $23.19. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.19/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $48,233/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Castle Rock?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Castle Rock earns approximately $48,233/year at the median hourly rate of $23.19. This is 1.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $68,480/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Castle Rock?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $32.92/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Colorado

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

Methodology & Data Source

Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Castle Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Castle Rock is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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