Radiography Tech Salary

Arvada vs Denver: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Arvada, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Arvada, CO
$93,084
$44.75/hr
Denver, CO
$103,184
$49.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricArvada, CODenver, CO
Median Salary$93,084$103,184
Hourly Rate$44.75$49.61
Entry Level (P10)$67,106$67,301
25th Percentile$76,399$81,305
75th Percentile$113,723$110,312
Top Earner (P90)$136,297$118,146
Total Employed311,980
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Arvada ($93,084) and Denver ($103,184) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.ArvadaDenverMedian Salary$93,084$103,184Entry Level (P10)$67,106$67,301Top Earner (P90)$136,297$118,146US Median $84,348

Verdict

Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arvada.

The salary gap between Arvada and Denver is $10,100 (10.85%). Denver's median is +22.33% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $69,191,Denver spans $50,845. Arvada has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Arvada
P10 (Entry)$67,106
P25$76,399
Median$93,084
P75$113,723
P90 (Top)$136,297
Denver
P10 (Entry)$67,301
P25$81,305
Median$103,184
P75$110,312
P90 (Top)$118,146

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($97,544 effective) pays 10.03% more than Arvada ($88,651 effective).

Arvada
Nominal: $93,084
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $88,651
Denver
Nominal: $103,184
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $97,544

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 ($136,297)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Denver if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,184/year)
  • Larger job market (1,980 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,544)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Arvada grew 5.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.7% growth in Denver over the same period.

Arvada, CO

+5.4%

$83,861 (2024) → $88,407 (2025)

Denver, CO

+42.7%

$68,690 (2019) → $98,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Arvada or Denver?

Denver has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $103,184/year, compared to Arvada at $93,084/year — a difference of $10,100 (10.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Denver?

Arvada radiologic technologist and technicians earn $44.75/hr while Denver hygienists earn $49.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Arvada to Denver as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Arvada and Denver. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Arvada = $88,651, Denver = $97,544), job availability (31 vs 1,980 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Arvada vs Denver?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $67,106 in Arvada and $67,301 in Denver. The Denver area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov