Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Thornton, CO: $92,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Thornton, CO earns a median $92,334/year (≈ $44.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Thornton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $87,937 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the radiologic technologist and technician salary in Thornton, CO, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $92,334, topping the national median of $84,348 by nearly 10%. Salaries in this field can vary significantly, with reported earnings ranging from $60,783 at the 10th percentile to a high of $142,840 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, reflect Thornton's unique market dynamics. The area's blend of hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers influences the pay gradient, leading to higher earnings for those serving in specialized roles or in facilities equipped for advanced modalities.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,783 | $29.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,405 | $34.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,334 | $44.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,632 | $56.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,840 | $68.67 |
Median Salary Position
9.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thornton
In Thornton, CO, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,057 (2026 est.). At $92,334, the local median is 9.47% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thornton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thornton Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Thornton median: $92,334/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thornton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $90,880 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | +9.47% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thornton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thornton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,334 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $87,937 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,239
2025 BLS Actual
$87,695
2026 Current Est.
$92,334
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,239 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,761 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,181 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,308 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,186 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,219 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thornton metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $66,239 (2019) to $87,695 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,219 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,980 (46.77%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,783 – $71,405 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,405 – $92,334 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,334 – $117,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,632 – $142,840 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Thornton
The job market for radiologic technologists and technicians in Thornton is solid, with approximately 34 professionals currently employed in the region. However, the cost of living index stands at 105, which slightly elevates the living expenses against the national average. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the most competitive salaries, whereas outpatient centers and mobile imaging services may lag. Factors affecting the spread in compensation include modality cross-training, with CT and MRI skills commanding higher pay rates, as well as additional incentives such as shift differentials and on-call coverage. For those seeking to maximize their pay in this Colorado market, pursuing cross-training opportunities and exploring positions at trauma centers can significantly enhance earning potential and job security.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $87,695 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Thornton metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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