Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $21.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Aurora, CO runs $21.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,513 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the estimated sterile processing technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $21.40. This rate is slightly below the national median of $22.94, reflecting the local labor market specifics and cost of living index around 105. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, earnings would amount to around $1,024 per week based on a 24-hour schedule, providing a solid income for those balancing other commitments. The pay range for sterile processing technicians in Aurora varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $15.73 per hour while experienced professionals can make as much as $32.57. Such compensation levels will be critical to consider for individuals working in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other clinical environments.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.73 | $125.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.40 | $139.24 |
| Median (P50) | $21.40 | $171.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.79 | $214.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.57 | $260.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $21.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.40/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $44,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,676. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $855.85 | $3,709 | $44,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $513.51 | $2,225 | $26,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $342.34 | $1,483 | $17,802 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Aurora) | $21.40 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Aurora, CO earn a median of $44,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 9.10% below the Colorado state average of $48,970.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.40/hr = $26,703/year (purchasing power: $25,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,504/year (purchasing power: $42,385).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Aurora grew 27.4% from $16.11/hr (2019) to $20.53/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.30/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Aurora
Examining the earning potential for part-time versus full-time sterile processing technicians reveals notable differences. A worker on a 3-day schedule might take home about $53,312 annually, which still provides a viable income, albeit less than a full-time technician's earnings. Additionally, per diem roles present themselves as lucrative options in the industry. These positions often pay between $22 and $32 an hour, with certified endoscope reprocessors commanding $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. The demand for traveling technicians has also created contracts that can pay between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly. Regarding employer types, hourly rates can differ; hospitals generally provide comprehensive benefits that may compensate for lower hourly wages, while private clinics offer more competitive pay but usually without health insurance. For those negotiating in Aurora, demonstrating credentialing such as CRCST and any additional certifications like CIS or CER can strengthen the bargaining position, potentially leading to better hourly rates and terms.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Aurora?
Are sterile processing technicians in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Aurora?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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