Aurora vs Lakewood: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Aurora, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $353,546 | $464,346▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $169.97 | $223.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $205,057 | $269,321▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $254,553 | $334,328▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $433,435 | $568,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $517,919 | $672,923▲ |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Lakewood, CO offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Lakewood is $110,800 (31.34%). Lakewood's median is +5.08% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $312,862,Lakewood spans $403,602. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lakewood ($442,234 effective) pays 31.34% more than Aurora ($336,710 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($464,346/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($672,923)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $442,234)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Aurora grew -19.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$420,533 (2024) → $336,710 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$409,806 (2024) → $442,234 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Aurora or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Lakewood as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Aurora vs Lakewood?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov