Colorado Springs vs Lakewood: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,566▲ | $49,012 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.79▲ | $23.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,707 | $38,072▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,753▲ | $41,184 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,071▲ | $61,247 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,153 | $73,730▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lakewood is $2,554 (5.21%). 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 Colorado Springs spans $29,446,Lakewood spans $35,658. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($51,204 effective) pays 9.70% more than Lakewood ($46,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,730)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Colorado Springs grew 41.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$35,100 (2019) → $49,478 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$50,438 (2024) → $47,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Colorado Springs or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lakewood as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Colorado Springs vs Lakewood?
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