Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pueblo, CO: $66,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,449 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,415 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,907) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those embarking on a career as an entry-level radiologic technologist and technician in Pueblo can expect starting pay around $66,449. This figure represents the lower tier of the salary range for new graduates in the field, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $90,907 for experienced professionals in the city. However, there is an upward trajectory over the first few years, with opportunities to progress to $75,577 as one gains experience. Given the strong annual growth rate of 5.29% in this profession, Pueblo presents a favorable job market for new grad radiologic technologists and technicians, offering a viable path towards competitive salaries relative to the national average of $84,348.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pueblo, CO typically start between $66,449 and $75,577 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,804 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,907 — 7.78% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 42.14% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($66,449/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $66,449 to $75,577, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo's below-average 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 Pueblo is $60,804 ( 91.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,449, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,253.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,763
2025 BLS Actual
$63,110
2026 Current Est.
$66,449
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,763 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,964 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,763 in 2019 to $63,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,964. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Employers looking to hire new graduates in Pueblo primarily include local hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT, which is a beneficial strategy to boost early-career salaries. Outpatient imaging centers also seek entry-level talent, but those cross-trained in specialized areas like MRI or mammography are more competitive in the job market. Having credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT registration in radiography (R), can enhance starting pay and open additional opportunities. New professionals should focus on obtaining further ARRT modality certifications, as this cross-training is crucial for advancing from pure radiography roles, which tend to lag at the lower end of the salary scale. Realistic expectations for salary growth during the first three years post-graduation in Pueblo hinge on these strategies, allowing new radiologic technologists and technicians to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pueblo in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pueblo?
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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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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