Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Louisville, CO: $62,867 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Louisville, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,867 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Louisville's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,873 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,684) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Louisville, Colorado, offers new graduates a starting point of around $62,867 in 2026. When compared to the city's median salary of $84,684, this figure reflects a significant gap that early-career professionals can expect to bridge. With an expected growth trajectory over the first few years in the field, entry-level workers may see their salaries reach approximately $70,013 at the 25th percentile and potentially towards the median as they gain experience. Given its competitive salary range, Louisville appears to be a promising market for new graduates entering the radiologic technology profession right now.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Louisville
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 Louisville
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Louisville, CO typically start between $62,867 and $70,013 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,532 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,684 — 0.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 44.54% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($62,867/year) in Louisville. 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 Louisville
- 1Research the Louisville market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $62,867 to $70,013, 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 Louisville, 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 Louisville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Louisville'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 Louisville is $55,532 ( 88.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,867, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,399.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,242
2025 BLS Actual
$59,708
2026 Current Est.
$62,867
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,242 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,644 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,867 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,192 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Louisville, CO grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,242 in 2019 to $59,708 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,192. New graduates entering the Louisville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville 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 Louisville
In Louisville, major employers, including local hospital systems, actively seek to hire new graduates, often offering paid cross-training in modalities like CT or MRI within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers may also recruit entry-level radiologic technologists, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer more seasoned professionals who are already comfortable with extremity imaging. To enhance starting pay, certifications from an accredited JRCERT program, alongside ARRT national registration in radiography, are crucial. New graduates should proactively consider pursuing additional credentials in specialized areas, as cross-training into modalities such as mammography can open doors to higher salaries. Realistically, those in their first years can expect a gradual increase in pay as they build their skills, knowledge, and adaptability in a field that continuously evolves due to outpatient imaging consolidations and advancements in technology.
More salary data for Louisville, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Louisville in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Louisville?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Louisville?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Louisville?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Colorado?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Louisville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Louisville 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