Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Commerce City, CO: $47,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Commerce City, CO earns a median $47,510/year (≈ $22.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Commerce City's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $45,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated compensation for a sterile processing technician in Commerce City, Colorado, is projected to reach $47,510 annually. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $47,724, highlighting the competitive nature of this regional market. Local salaries range from $36,760 at the 10th percentile to $68,907 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities within the field. As evening and overnight surgical tray turnover becomes increasingly important, shift differentials can significantly enhance pay, allowing dedicated technicians to capitalize on their specialized roles. In the context of Commerce City’s job market, the median pay is indicative of a growing sector that is increasingly reliant on credentialed professionals for sterile processing, a necessity emphasized by the shift towards more rigorous hiring practices since 2021.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,760 | $17.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,693 | $19.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,510 | $22.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,197 | $27.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,907 | $33.13 |
Median Salary Position
0.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Commerce City
In Commerce City, CO, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,147 (2026 est.). At $47,510, the local median is 0.45% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Commerce City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Commerce City Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Commerce City median: $47,510/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Commerce City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $48,979 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.45% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Commerce City has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Commerce City, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,510 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,248 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,781
2025 BLS Actual
$45,586
2026 Current Est.
$47,510
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,892 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,586 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Commerce City metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,781 (2019) to $45,586 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,734 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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) | $36,760 – $39,693 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,693 – $47,510 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,510 – $58,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,197 – $68,907 |
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 Commerce City
As of now, only 16 sterile processing technicians are employed in Commerce City, suggesting a niche market for these professionals. The cost of living index in the area sits at 105, indicating a slightly elevated living expense compared to the national average. Consequently, local technicians need to consider employment settings when determining where to maximize their earnings. Hospitals typically offer higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers or dental specialty practices. Regional trends show that those with multiple credentials, including CRCST, CIS, and CER, tend to command higher salaries, especially in trauma centers where advanced skill sets are required. Technicians can optimize their salary potential by seeking out positions that offer shift differentials and pursuing additional certifications recognized by HSPA. In this evolving landscape, professionals must stay informed and proactive about their training and market demands to effectively enhance their earning power in Commerce City, CO.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $45,586 for sterile processing techniciansin the Commerce City 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 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).
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