Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lafayette, CO: $47,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lafayette, CO earns a median $47,397/year (≈ $22.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $45,140 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, the projected salary for a sterile processing technician in 2026 stands at $47,397, showing a slight difference compared to the national median of $47,724. The local salary range reflects variance in roles and responsibilities, with entry-level positions starting around $35,344 and experienced technicians earning up to $68,439. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, such as Lafayette’s cost of living index being slightly higher than the national average at 105. In this growing market, shift differentials, particularly for evening and overnight surgical tray turnover, are critical components influencing compensation.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,344 | $16.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,238 | $19.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,397 | $22.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,366 | $27.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,439 | $32.90 |
Median Salary Position
0.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, CO, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,095 (2026 est.). At $47,397, the local median is 0.69% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lafayette Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $47,397/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $48,964 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.69% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lafayette, CO earn a median of $47,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $48,964.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lafayette, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,397 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,140 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,696
2025 BLS Actual
$45,478
2026 Current Est.
$47,397
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,696 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,993 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,548 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,171 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,696 (2019) to $45,478 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,701 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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) | $35,344 – $41,238 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,238 – $47,397 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,397 – $56,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,366 – $68,439 |
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 Lafayette
The sterile processing technician job market in Lafayette currently employs just seven professionals, creating an intimate and competitive environment. With a cost of living that hovers above the national average, it’s crucial for technicians to maximize their take-home pay. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers typically offer the highest salaries. The pay gap in this field can often be driven by various factors including shift differentials, additional certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as job position—lead roles commanding more pay. To enhance earning potential, sterile processing technicians should focus on obtaining these relevant certifications and consider positions in settings with higher demands, such as trauma centers or busy ambulatory surgical centers.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Lafayette, CO in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Lafayette?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Lafayette?
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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 $45,478 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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