Radiologic Technologist in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Colorado employs 3,960 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $87,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $87,760 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $63,270
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $103,780
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $111,730
- Employed in Colorado
- 3,960
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $98,000 (1,980 employed)
- Boulder
- $88,330 (290 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $86,470 (520 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $84,000
- Greeley
- $82,230 (110 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $78,690 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $87,760 median is worth closer to $85,121 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +18.9%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 300 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification — regulated by the No Colorado state license — ARRT certification is the standard.
- Colorado does not require a separate state license to operate X-ray equipment if you're ARRT-certified.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree).
- Pass the ARRT exam and earn the R.T.(R) credential — employers require it.
Official requirements: No Colorado state license — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in Colorado
Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route. ARRT certification is portable nationwide, so it travels with you if you move.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate / Bachelor's
- Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate / Bachelor's
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Colorado
Real Colorado hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- University of Colorado Hospital Authority — Aurora
- Hca Healthone Presbyterian St Luke's — Denver
- V a Hospital — Fort Lyon
- University Colo Health Memorial Hospital Central — Colorado Springs
- Denver Health Medical Center — Denver
- Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo — Pueblo
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.
Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.
Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
First Steps
Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in Colorado?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Colorado is $87,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $63,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $111,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Colorado?
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification, overseen by the No Colorado state license — ARRT certification is the standard. Colorado does not require a separate state license to operate X-ray equipment if you're ARRT-certified.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Colorado?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Colorado metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $98,000, followed by Boulder ($88,330), Colorado Springs ($86,470). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Radiologic Technologist in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects radiologic technologists employment to change +18.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No Colorado state license — ARRT certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.