Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Denver, CO: $92,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Denver, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,024 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denver's local price level (BEA RPP 105.8 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,994 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,755) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Denver is projected to start at about $92,024. As new graduates step into the workforce, it's crucial to have realistic expectations for their initial pay, which falls significantly below the city’s median salary of $113,755. There is a clear growth trajectory for early-career professionals, moving from entry-level wages to potentially earning around $105,234 within the first few years. This upward trend indicates that Denver remains a favorable market for aspiring ultrasound technologists, especially considering local demand and the gradual increase in salary as professionals gain experience and enhance their skills.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denver
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Denver, CO typically start between $92,024 and $105,234 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,755 — 12.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Colorado of $30,000 represents just 32.60% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($92,024/year) in Denver. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Denver
- 1Research the Denver market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $92,024 to $105,234, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Denver, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Denver for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denver's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Denver is $45,140 ( 49.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,024, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,164.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,250
2025 BLS Actual
$87,700
2026 Current Est.
$92,024
2019–2027 Growth
+65.8%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,560 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Denver, CO grew 50.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,250 in 2019 to $87,700 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,560. New graduates entering the Denver job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Denver
Across Denver, major employers such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices actively seek new graduates, often offering structured onboarding processes that can facilitate a smoother transition into the workplace. Earning state licensure is essential for entry-level roles, but pursuing optional advanced certifications can also significantly enhance starting compensation within Colorado. In the initial years of employment, professionals can expect varied growth in their earnings, depending largely on the employer type and the credentials they hold. Enthusiastic new graduates can strategically position themselves for better opportunities and compensation by seeking continuous education and gaining experience, which can lead to substantial salary increases within their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Denver in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Denver?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Denver?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Denver?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Colorado?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Denver. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov