Denver vs Longmont: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Denver, CO and Longmont, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Longmont, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,513 | $48,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.89 | $23.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,779 | $38,471▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,540 | $41,118▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,680 | $59,858▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,203 | $71,446▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Longmont, CO offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Longmont is $2,699 (5.93%). Longmont's median is +1.02% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $29,424,Longmont spans $32,975. Longmont 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, Longmont ($45,916 effective) pays 6.72% more than Denver ($43,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Longmont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,446)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,916)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Denver grew -0.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Longmont over the same period.
Denver, CO
$43,910 (2019) → $43,670 (2025)
Longmont, CO
$49,615 (2024) → $46,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Longmont, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Denver or Longmont?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Longmont?
Should I relocate from Denver to Longmont as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Denver vs Longmont?
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