Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $44.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Thornton, CO runs $44.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Thornton, Colorado, the average hourly pay for radiologic technologists and technicians stands at $44.39, considerably higher than the national hourly median of $40.55. This robust hourly rate provides attractive opportunities for both full-time and part-time professionals within various healthcare settings such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and urgent care X-ray rooms. For part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, this translates to a significant income potential while allowing a balanced work-life schedule. Individuals entering the profession can anticipate hourly wages starting at $29.22, while top earners can reach up to $68.67 per hour, showcasing a substantial earning range in Thornton's market.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.22 | $233.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.32 | $274.60 |
| Median (P50) | $44.39 | $355.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.55 | $452.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.67 | $549.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $44.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.39/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $92,332 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,268. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,775.61 | $7,694 | $92,332 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,065.37 | $4,617 | $55,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $710.24 | $3,078 | $36,933 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Thornton) | $44.39 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Thornton, CO earn a median of $92,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.47% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $90,880.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.39/hr = $55,399/year (purchasing power: $52,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,332/year (purchasing power: $87,935).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Thornton grew 32.4% from $31.84/hr (2019) to $42.16/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.74/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Thornton
Examining part-time employment, a radiologic technologist working 24 hours a week would ultimately earn $55,189 annually, a competitive figure versus full-time counterparts. In addition to part-time roles, per diem or agency radiologic technologists can command rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, with specialized cross-trained techs in modalities like CT or MRI potentially earning between $50 and $75. Travel contracts can further elevate earnings, often reaching $1,800 to $2,800 per week for high-demand roles. Employer types across Thornton vary in pay scales, influencing hourly compensation based on factors such as benefits and job security. Radiologic technologists and technicians often weigh their options between higher hourly rates at facilities without benefits and those offering health insurance at lower hourly pay. For those negotiating salaries, understanding local market rates can significantly enhance compensation discussions, particularly in a diverse market such as Thornton.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Thornton?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Thornton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Thornton?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Thornton?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Thornton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Thornton 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