Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Aurora, CO: $44,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Aurora, CO earns a median $44,513/year (≈ $21.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $42,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $44,513. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the national average of $47,724, highlighting the competitive nature of the local job market. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning as low as $32,721, while experienced technicians can earn up to $67,737. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data account for regional cost adjustments, which provides context for the earning potential in Aurora. With the increasing emphasis on specialized skills—especially in endoscope reprocessing—technicians who enhance their credentials through certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER may find themselves better positioned to negotiate higher salaries. Understanding the dynamics of the sterile processing technician salary in Aurora is crucial for those looking to build a career in this essential field.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,721 | $15.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,198 | $17.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,513 | $21.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,738 | $26.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,737 | $32.57 |
Median Salary Position
6.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,016 (2026 est.). At $44,513, the local median is 6.73% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Aurora median: $44,513/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $48,970 | -9.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -6.73% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Aurora, CO earn a median of $44,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 9.10% below the Colorado state average of $48,970.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $44,513 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,393 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,524
2025 BLS Actual
$42,711
2026 Current Est.
$44,513
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,223 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,758 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,711 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,392 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,524 (2019) to $42,711 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,868 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,721 – $36,198 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,198 – $44,513 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,513 – $55,738 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,738 – $67,737 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Aurora
The employment landscape for sterile processing technicians in Aurora comprises around 54 professionals, reflecting a niche market that is impacted by the area's cost of living index of 105; this figure suggests that living expenses are slightly above the national average. Hospitals typically offer the highest pay, particularly those with designated trauma centers, while ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers follow closely behind. The spread in pay can be attributed to various factors, including shift differentials for evening or overnight work, as well as additional compensation for technicians holding advanced certifications or taking on supervisory roles. Those looking to maximize their pay in this market should consider pursuing multiple certifications and seeking opportunities in prominent medical facilities, which value specialized skills and experience. As the field evolves, understanding salary trends and market demands will be key for those entering or advancing in sterile processing careers in Aurora, CO.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Aurora, CO in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Aurora?
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Related Pages
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,711 for sterile processing techniciansin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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