Arvada vs Colorado Springs: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Arvada, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,148 | $51,566▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.11 | $24.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,324▲ | $34,707 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,419 | $44,753▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,023 | $62,071▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,674▲ | $64,153 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arvada.
The salary gap between Arvada and Colorado Springs is $1,418 (2.83%). Colorado Springs's median is +8.05% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $33,350,Colorado Springs spans $29,446. Arvada has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($51,204 effective) pays 7.21% more than Arvada ($47,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,674)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,566/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,204)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Arvada grew -6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$51,606 (2024) → $48,117 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$35,100 (2019) → $49,478 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Arvada or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Colorado Springs as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Arvada vs Colorado Springs?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov