Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Durango, CO: $45,891 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Durango, CO earns a median $45,891/year (≈ $22.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $43,706 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a sterile processing technician in Durango, Colorado, is expected to earn a median annual salary of $45,891, slightly below the national median of $47,724. The local salary can range from $39,150 at the 10th percentile to $64,140 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience and specialization. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost disparities. For professionals in this field, opportunities often arise in settings that drive compensation, particularly where evening or overnight surgical tray turnover is required, enhancing overall earning potential and driving demand for skilled technicians in the area.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,509 | $19.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,891 | $22.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,677 | $25.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,140 | $30.84 |
Median Salary Position
3.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,990 (2026 est.). At $45,891, the local median is 3.84% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Durango median: $45,891/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $48,977 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -3.84% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Durango, CO earn a median of $45,891 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $48,977.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,891 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,706 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,562
2025 BLS Actual
$44,033
2026 Current Est.
$45,891
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,562 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,291 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,799 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,033 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,891 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,828 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,562 (2019) to $44,033 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,828 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,266 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $39,150 – $40,509 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,509 – $45,891 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,891 – $53,677 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,677 – $64,140 |
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 Durango
There's a modest labor market for sterile processing technicians in Durango, with approximately five professionals currently employed in this role. Given the cost of living index sits at 105, which is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power of these salaries varies. Hospitals typically offer the most competitive wages, especially for those with advanced credentials such as CRCST, CIS, or CER. The disparity in pay is influenced by factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts, the demand for trauma center support, and the types of procedures being processed. Those looking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Durango CO may benefit from pursuing advanced credentials and considering roles that provide leadership opportunities or specialized training in high-demand areas like endoscope reprocessing.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Durango, CO in 2026?
Is Durango, CO a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Durango?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Durango?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Durango?
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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 $44,033 for sterile processing techniciansin the Durango 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 Durango 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