Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Boulder, CO: $69,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Boulder, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,039 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boulder's local price level (BEA RPP 105.2 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,625 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on a career as a radiologic technologist or technician in Boulder, Colorado, the entry-level pay in 2026 is projected to start at $69,039. While this initial salary may appear modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $93,003, it offers a solid foundation for career development in the medical imaging field. Entry-level professionals can anticipate a growth trajectory that could elevate their earnings to $79,031 within a few years, particularly if they engage in cross-training to expand their skill set. With a healthy growth rate of 5.29% anticipated over the next five years, Boulder remains a promising market for new graduates, providing opportunities for advancement and additional training.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boulder
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Boulder, CO typically start between $69,039 and $79,031 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,508 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,003 — 10.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 40.56% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($69,039/year) in Boulder. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Boulder
- 1Research the Boulder market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $69,039 to $79,031, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boulder, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Boulder for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boulder's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Boulder is $53,508 ( 77.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,039, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,547.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,740
2025 BLS Actual
$65,570
2026 Current Est.
$69,039
2019–2027 Growth
+58.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,691 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Boulder, CO grew 43.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,740 in 2019 to $65,570 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,691. New graduates entering the Boulder job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Boulder
Looking at employment opportunities, major hospital systems in Boulder often hire newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians, providing valuable on-the-job training and paid cross-training in specialized modalities like CT, MRI, and mammography. Outpatient imaging centers also frequently recruit entry-level professionals who show potential for further cross-training, while orthopedic clinics may prefer candidates with some experience in extremity imaging. To enhance starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in CO, having an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and state licensure where applicable are essential credentials. Those in their first few years should focus on pursuing additional ARRT certifications to position themselves for higher salaries as traditional roles in radiography continue to compress. Realistic salary growth expectations for new graduates will depend largely on these strategic decisions and market conditions in Boulder.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Boulder. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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