Denver vs Fort Collins: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $361,484 | $459,734▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $173.80 | $221.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,839 | $266,645▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,839 | $331,008▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $361,484 | $557,157▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $531,584 | $657,011▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $98,250 (27.18%). Fort Collins's median is +4.04% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $395,745,Fort Collins spans $390,366. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($437,842 effective) pays 28.13% more than Denver ($341,725 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($459,734/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($657,011)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $437,842)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Denver grew -23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$450,734 (2024) → $344,270 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$405,737 (2024) → $437,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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