Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Colorado: $46,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median sterile processing technician pay sits at $46,985/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9093. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $44,748 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Boulder ($51,946), Colorado Springs ($49,478), Fort Collins ($49,306).
In Colorado, the projected average median salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $46,984, which is slightly below the national median of $47,724, reflecting a 1.6% difference. The salary range varies significantly across the state, with Boulder offering the highest average at $54,138, while Aurora presents the lowest at $44,513. This gap of $9,625 can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the presence of large healthcare facilities in metropolitan areas. Colorado's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws contribute to a structured environment for sterile processing technicians, ensuring competencies are met. The job market for these professionals is showing a solid growth outlook, with an anticipated 4.22% annual CAGR. The total employment figure stands at 2,069, indicating a balanced demand for skilled technicians across the state. Other well-paying cities include Colorado Springs at $51,566, Fort Collins at $51,387, Loveland at $50,156, and Arvada at $50,148. As healthcare continues to evolve, the need for sterile processing technicians is expected to remain strong, making this a viable career path in Colorado.
Colorado Sterile Processing Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $30,816 (lowest entry-level) to $76,205 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado sterile processing technicians earn 1.55% less than the national median ($-739/year difference).
Colorado Sterile Processing Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Sterile Processing Technician salaries in Colorado range from $35,786 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $66,571 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $46,985. The Colorado median is $739 below the US national median of $47,724. The average hourly rate is $22.59/hr. Approximately 2,069 sterile processing technicians are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,703
2025 BLS Actual
$45,082
2026 Current Est.
$46,985
2019–2027 Growth
+17.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,703 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,887 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,102 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,968 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 8.1% from $41,703 (2019) to $45,082 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,968 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,265 (17.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Aurora | $44,513 |
| Golden | $45,077 |
| Evans | $45,357 |
| Denver | $45,513 |
| Louisville | $45,622 |
Best Value Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for sterile processing technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $54,138 | 105.202 | $51,461 |
| Pueblo | $47,054 | 91.762 | $51,278 |
| Colorado Springs | $51,566 | 100.707 | $51,204 |
| Grand Junction | $48,555 | 95.476 | $50,856 |
| Fort Collins | $51,387 | 101.128 | $50,814 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,786 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $46,985 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $66,571 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder | $54,138 |
| 2 | Colorado Springs | $51,566 |
| 3 | Fort Collins | $51,387 |
| 4 | Loveland | $50,156 |
| 5 | Arvada | $50,148 |
| 6 | Thornton | $49,744 |
| 7 | Westminster | $49,249 |
| 8 | Lakewood | $49,012 |
| 9 | Greeley | $48,975 |
| 10 | Grand Junction | $48,555 |
| 11 | Parker | $48,546 |
| 12 | Erie | $48,458 |
| 13 | Windsor | $48,336 |
| 14 | Castle Rock | $48,242 |
| 15 | Broomfield | $48,228 |
| 16 | Longmont | $48,212 |
| 17 | Englewood | $47,842 |
| 18 | Commerce City | $47,510 |
| 19 | Lafayette | $47,397 |
| 20 | Wheat Ridge | $47,124 |
| 21 | Pueblo | $47,054 |
| 22 | Brighton | $46,683 |
| 23 | Littleton | $46,527 |
| 24 | Fountain | $46,501 |
| 25 | Northglenn | $46,455 |
| 26 | Steamboat Springs | $46,182 |
| 27 | Centennial | $45,930 |
| 28 | Durango | $45,891 |
| 29 | Louisville | $45,622 |
| 30 | Denver | $45,513 |
| 31 | Evans | $45,357 |
| 32 | Golden | $45,077 |
| 33 | Aurora | $44,513 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore sterile processing technician hourly pay in Colorado cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new sterile processing technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced sterile processing technicians.
Compare Cities in Colorado
View all comparisons →Explore More Sterile Processing Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for sterile processing technicians in Colorado?
How does Colorado sterile processing technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level sterile processing technician salary in Colorado?
How many sterile processing technicians are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for sterile processing technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 sterile processing technician compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more sterile processing technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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