Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $22.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Centennial, CO runs $22.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,561 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is $22.08, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This figure significantly impacts those considering part-time or per-diem work in diverse environments like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For technicians working three days a week, the role can provide a stable income, while the hourly range spans from $16.06 for entry-level positions to $34.05 for experienced professionals. The growing recognition of sterilization’s importance in healthcare, coupled with the increasing credentialing requirements following the post-2021 shift, positions this role as a vital option for those entering the workforce, making it appealing across various employment settings in Centennial.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.06 | $128.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.73 | $141.82 |
| Median (P50) | $22.08 | $176.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.74 | $213.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.05 | $272.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $22.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.08/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $45,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,501. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $883.37 | $3,828 | $45,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.02 | $2,297 | $27,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.35 | $1,531 | $18,374 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Centennial) | $22.08 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Centennial, CO earn a median of $45,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.76% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.20% below the Colorado state average of $48,966.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.08/hr = $27,561/year (purchasing power: $26,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,935/year (purchasing power: $43,748).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Centennial grew 27.4% from $16.63/hr (2019) to $21.19/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.02/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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 Centennial
When examining the earning potential for a sterile processing technician in Centennial, one must consider the nuances of part-time versus full-time employment. A technician working 24 hours weekly could expect a significantly reduced annual income compared to a full-time counterpart, despite the flexibility that might appeal to many. Per diem roles are another aspect of this profession's reality, with some workers billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while those with the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) credential may earn upwards of $28 to $40 in agency placements. Across different employer types in Centennial, pay scales can differ; for instance, hospitals generally offer more comprehensive benefits but potentially lower hourly rates, whereas third-party service providers may provide higher pay without the same benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly pay and health insurance is crucial for technicians making career decisions. Those negotiating their pay should remain informed about current rates and leverage local market dynamics to strengthen their bargaining position as they pursue roles in this essential field.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Centennial in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Centennial?
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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
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 Centennial. 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 Centennial is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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