Ultrasound Tech Pay

Denver vs Golden: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Denver, CO
$113,755
$54.69/hr
Golden, CO
$103,503
$49.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDenver, COGolden, CO
Median Salary$113,755$103,503
Hourly Rate$54.69$49.76
Entry Level (P10)$92,024$78,334
25th Percentile$105,234$88,920
75th Percentile$131,309$112,870
Top Earner (P90)$137,164$132,093
Total Employed7506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Denver ($113,755) and Golden ($103,503) ultrasound technologist salaries.DenverGoldenMedian Salary$113,755$103,503Entry Level (P10)$92,024$78,334Top Earner (P90)$137,164$132,093US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Denver and Golden is $10,252 (9.91%). Denver's median is +12.24% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $45,140,Golden spans $53,759. Golden has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Denver
P10 (Entry)$92,024
P25$105,234
Median$113,755
P75$131,309
P90 (Top)$137,164
Golden
P10 (Entry)$78,334
P25$88,920
Median$103,503
P75$112,870
P90 (Top)$132,093

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($107,537 effective) pays 9.09% more than Golden ($98,574 effective).

Denver
Nominal: $113,755
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $107,537
Golden
Nominal: $103,503
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $98,574

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Denver if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,755/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($137,164)
  • Larger job market (750 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,537)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Golden if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Denver grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Golden over the same period.

Denver, CO

+23.3%

$87,920 (2019) → $108,410 (2025)

Golden, CO

+10.9%

$88,912 (2024) → $98,640 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Denver or Golden?

Denver has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $113,755/year, compared to Golden at $103,503/year — a difference of $10,252 (9.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Golden?

Denver ultrasound technologists earn $54.69/hr while Golden hygienists earn $49.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Denver to Golden as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Denver and Golden. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Denver = $107,537, Golden = $98,574), job availability (750 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Denver vs Golden?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $92,024 in Denver and $78,334 in Golden. The Denver 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