Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Commerce City, CO: $22.85 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Commerce City, CO runs $22.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Commerce City's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,511 per year.

$47,510
Median Annual Salary
$22.85/hr
Hourly Rate
$36,760
Entry Level (P10)
$68,907
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Commerce City can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.85, which is slightly below the national average of $22.94. This hourly pay reflects a growing demand for certified technicians in various medical settings, including hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing facilities. With a range spanning from $17.68 for entry-level positions up to $33.13 for experienced professionals, the hourly wages allow for diverse work schedules. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this hourly rate enables them to maintain a decent income while offering flexibility. Moreover, for those considering per-diem roles, the earnings can fluctuate based on experience and specialization, providing additional opportunities to enhance their income within this critical field.

About the Commerce City 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)$17.68$141.41
Lower Range (P25)$19.08$152.66
Median (P50)$22.85$182.76
Upper Range (P75)$27.98$223.86
Top Earners (P90)$33.13$265.05

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Commerce City

Based on $22.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Commerce City earning $22.85/hr would make approximately $27,414 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $47,518 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$27,414Reduced (32 hr/wk)$36,552Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$47,518

At $22.85/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Commerce City, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,414. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Commerce City.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$182.76
per 8hr shift
$913.80
per week
$3,960
per month
$47,518
per year

Schedule Comparison in Commerce City

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$913.80$3,960$47,518
Part-Time (24 hrs)$548.28$2,376$28,511
Per Diem (16 hrs)$365.52$1,584$19,007

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Commerce City)$22.85
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 Commerce City ($47,510) with Colorado average ($48,979) and the US national median ($47,724).Commerce City$47,510Colorado Avg$48,979-3.00%US National$47,724-0.45%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Commerce City, CO earn a median of $47,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.45% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.00% below the Colorado state average of $48,979.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $22.85/hr = $28,511/year (purchasing power: $27,153).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,518/year (purchasing power: $45,255).

CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$17.21/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$21.92/hr

2026 Current Est.

$22.85/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Commerce City (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 Commerce City. Baseline $17.21/hr in 2025, projected to $23.81/hr by 2027.$16$18$21$23$252019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.21$17.83$17.56$19.06$20.81$23.51$21.92$22.85$23.81
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.21/hrActual
2020$17.83/hrActual
2021$17.56/hrActual
2022$19.06/hrActual
2023$20.81/hrActual
2024$23.51/hrActual
2025$21.92/hrActual
2026(current)$22.85/hrEstimated
2027$23.81/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Commerce City grew 27.4% from $17.21/hr (2019) to $21.92/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.81/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 Commerce City 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 Commerce City

In the part-time scenario, a sterile processing technician working only three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could earn approximately $28,358 annually based on a $22.85 hourly rate. This is a considerable difference compared to full-time workers, who often benefit from health insurance and other employer-sponsored benefits. Per diem roles also show substantial earning potential; these technicians typically bill between $22 and $32 per hour, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command up to $40 an hour. Hospital sterile processing departments generally pay higher rates compared to settings like dental specialty practices. Technicians might face trade-offs, such as accepting lower hourly wages for stable health insurance or embracing higher pay in contract roles without benefits. For those negotiating pay, it’s advantageous to emphasize specializations like CRCST or CIS certifications to secure better hourly compensation in this dynamic market in Commerce City, CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Commerce City in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Commerce City is $22.85/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $17.68 at entry level (10th percentile) to $33.13 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.4% below 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 Commerce City?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Commerce City earns approximately $2,376/month, or $28,511/year at the median hourly rate of $22.85. 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 Commerce City paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Commerce City are paid hourly at a median rate of $22.85/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $47,518/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 Commerce City?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Commerce City earns approximately $47,518/year at the median hourly rate of $22.85. This is 0.4% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $68,914/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 Commerce City?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Commerce City sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $33.13/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 Commerce City. 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 Commerce City 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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