Ultrasound Tech Pay

Boulder vs Durango: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Boulder, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boulder, CO
$120,271
$57.83/hr
Durango, CO
$105,372
$50.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, CODurango, CO
Median Salary$120,271$105,372
Hourly Rate$57.83$50.66
Entry Level (P10)$104,909$83,034
25th Percentile$104,909$92,832
75th Percentile$135,055$110,906
Top Earner (P90)$143,397$134,685
Total Employed1605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($120,271) and Durango ($105,372) ultrasound technologist salaries.BoulderDurangoMedian Salary$120,271$105,372Entry Level (P10)$104,909$83,034Top Earner (P90)$143,397$134,685US Median $101,352

Verdict

Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durango.

The salary gap between Boulder and Durango is $14,899 (14.14%). Boulder's median is +18.67% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $38,488,Durango spans $51,651. Durango has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Boulder
P10 (Entry)$104,909
P25$104,909
Median$120,271
P75$135,055
P90 (Top)$143,397
Durango
P10 (Entry)$83,034
P25$92,832
Median$105,372
P75$110,906
P90 (Top)$134,685

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($114,324 effective) pays 13.92% more than Durango ($100,354 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $120,271
CoL Index: 105.202
Adjusted: $114,324
Durango
Nominal: $105,372
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $100,354

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boulder if…

  • Higher median salary ($120,271/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($143,397)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,324)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Durango if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Boulder grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Durango over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+27.7%

$89,780 (2019) → $114,620 (2025)

Durango, CO

+10.9%

$90,517 (2024) → $100,421 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Boulder or Durango?

Boulder has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $120,271/year, compared to Durango at $105,372/year — a difference of $14,899 (14.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Durango?

Boulder ultrasound technologists earn $57.83/hr while Durango hygienists earn $50.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boulder to Durango as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Durango. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $114,324, Durango = $100,354), job availability (160 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Boulder vs Durango?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $104,909 in Boulder and $83,034 in Durango. The Boulder area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

RP

Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT

Career Analyst

Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov