Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Loveland, CO: $60,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Loveland, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,781 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Loveland's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,887 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,324) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective radiologic technologists and technicians entering the job market in Loveland, Colorado, can expect to start their careers at a salary of approximately $60,781 in 2026. This entry-level pay reflects a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $86,324. With a trajectory that may see starting professionals progress to $69,535 (P25) within the first few years, new graduates have a favorable outlook for advancement as they gain experience and enhance their skills. Given the local demand for radiologic services and a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, Loveland represents a positive market for new professionals looking to build their careers in this field.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Loveland
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 Loveland
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Loveland, CO typically start between $60,781 and $69,535 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,032 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,324 — 2.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 46.07% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($60,781/year) in Loveland. 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 Loveland
- 1Research the Loveland market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $60,781 to $69,535, 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 Loveland, 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 Loveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Loveland'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 Loveland is $65,032 ( 106.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,781, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,813.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,774
2025 BLS Actual
$57,727
2026 Current Est.
$60,781
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,774 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,727 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,996 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Loveland, CO grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,774 in 2019 to $57,727 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,996. New graduates entering the Loveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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 Loveland
New graduates aiming for roles as radiologic technologists and technicians in Loveland often find opportunities primarily within hospital systems that frequently employ recent grads for their willingness to undertake CT cross-training during the initial years on the job. Outpatient imaging facilities also hire new technicians while favoring those who are cross-trained, particularly in additional modalities like MRI and mammography. Credentials can notably impact starting pay, making it vital for candidates to hold an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and possess ARRT registration in radiography (R). In this dynamic environment, early-career professionals seeking to enhance their earnings can anticipate realistic salary growth as they typically transition into cross-training roles, given that standard entry positions in pure radiography may have constrained upward mobility.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Loveland in 2026?
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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 Loveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Loveland 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