Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, CO: $64,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Lakewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,912 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,821 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,976) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Lakewood, CO, can offer promising financial rewards, with the entry-level positions starting at about $64,912 in 2026. New graduates should anticipate that their initial earnings will be below the city’s median annual salary of $90,976, creating a potential gap that reflects the experience and certification levels typical of early career professionals. As newcomers gain experience and take the right steps, there’s potential for growth from this starting point to approximately $74,160 as they advance, eventually reaching or surpassing the median in just a few years. Lakewood currently presents a favorable job market for fresh graduates, with demand for skilled imaging professionals remaining steady given the anticipated growth rate of 5.29% in this field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Lakewood, CO typically start between $64,912 and $74,160 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,317 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,976 — 7.86% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 43.14% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($64,912/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $64,912 to $74,160, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $73,317 ( 112.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,912, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,229.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,682
2025 BLS Actual
$61,651
2026 Current Est.
$64,912
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,682 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,453 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,087 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,346 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, CO grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,682 in 2019 to $61,651 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,346. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Employers actively hiring new graduates in Lakewood tend to include hospital systems known for providing paid cross-training in areas like computed tomography (CT) within the first few years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek individuals equipped with radiography skills, while orthopedic practices often prefer technicians who are experienced. To enhance starting salaries in Colorado, obtaining an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and securing ARRT national registration in radiography (R) is crucial. New techs should also consider pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications over the first years of their careers, particularly in CT, MRI, or mammography, as these specializations typically lead to higher pay. Given the consolidation of outpatient imaging chains, staying adaptable and prioritizing cross-training early on can effectively position new radiologic technologists for salary growth and stability.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lakewood in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Lakewood?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lakewood?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Lakewood?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Colorado?
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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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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