Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Centennial, CO: $69,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Centennial, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,123 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Centennial's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,831 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,130) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Centennial, Colorado, is projected to start at approximately $69,123 per year. For new graduates, this starting wage represents a gap from the overall city median salary, which is $104,130. As professionals begin to gain experience, they can anticipate a gradual increase to around $80,963 within their first three to five years, creating a clear trajectory toward the median. With a 5.29% growth rate anticipated for this sector, Centennial remains a favorable market for new graduates entering the field, offering not only competitive initial pay but also opportunities to advance into more specialized roles as they progress in their careers.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Centennial
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 Centennial
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Centennial, CO typically start between $69,123 and $80,963 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $92,278 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,130 — 23.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 40.51% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($69,123/year) in Centennial. 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 Centennial
- 1Research the Centennial market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $69,123 to $80,963, 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 Centennial, 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 Centennial for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Centennial'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 Centennial is $92,278 ( 133.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,123, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,401.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,645
2025 BLS Actual
$65,650
2026 Current Est.
$69,123
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,645 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,466 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,403 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,779 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Centennial, CO grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,645 in 2019 to $65,650 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,779. New graduates entering the Centennial job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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 Centennial
Employers hiring new graduates in the radiologic field throughout Centennial predominantly include hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training programs in CT or MRI within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers frequently seek cross-trained technicians, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer techs with some experience in extremity work. To enhance starting pay, candidates should focus on obtaining credentials from an accredited JRCERT program and acquiring ARRT national registration in radiography (R), along with any necessary state licensing. As the industry shifts, cross-training into advanced modalities like mammography carries significant weight and frequently marks the pathway to better compensation—a strategy vital for new professionals in their first one to three years in the field. Realistic growth expectations within this specific market reflect a potential for increased earnings as technologists diversify their skill sets and adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare imaging.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Centennial in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Centennial?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Centennial?
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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 Centennial. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Centennial 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 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