Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wheat Ridge, CO: $22.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wheat Ridge, CO runs $22.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,124 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wheat Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,276 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For sterile processing technicians in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the median hourly pay stands at $22.66, slightly lower than the national figure of $22.94. This competitive pay indicates a solid earning potential for professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings, including hospital SPD decontamination and assembly areas, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. A technician working three days a week could enjoy a stable income, benefiting from the hourly wage structure which allows for flexibility while still maintaining a reasonable income. The hourly range for this profession spans from $18.55 for entry-level technicians to $32.46 for those achieving top pay within the field, suggesting that there are opportunities for growth and advancement for those willing to pursue credentialing and training in specialties like endoscope reprocessing.
About the Wheat Ridge 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) | $18.55 | $148.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.55 | $156.41 |
| Median (P50) | $22.66 | $181.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.64 | $221.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.46 | $259.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheat Ridge
Based on $22.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.66/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheat Ridge, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,189. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheat Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheat Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.30 | $3,927 | $47,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.78 | $2,356 | $28,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.52 | $1,571 | $18,851 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Wheat Ridge) | $22.66 |
| 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 Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $47,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.26% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $48,986.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.66/hr = $28,276/year (purchasing power: $26,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,127/year (purchasing power: $44,883).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wheat Ridge grew 27.4% from $17.06/hr (2019) to $21.74/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.61/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 Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge
Exploring the earning landscape for part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours a week reveals distinct financial realities compared to full-time employment. At 3 days per week, a technician could expect an annual take-home pay significantly less than a full-time counterpart, which typically reaches higher earnings through advantages like overtime and benefits. There's also a notable trend among per-diem professionals in Wheat Ridge, where pay rates can vary widely; these technicians often bill anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, and those with CER credentials may command rates between $28 and $40 in agency placements. Hospital sterile processing departments often pay differently compared to specialty surgical centers or dental practices, leading to decisions based on priorities such as compensation versus benefits. For instance, some technicians may accept lower hourly wages for positions that include health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively for hourly workers in Wheat Ridge can lead to better pay scales; understanding the local market and leveraging any additional certifications can enhance earning potential in a profession growing in demand across healthcare settings.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wheat Ridge in 2026?
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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 Wheat Ridge. 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 Wheat Ridge 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