Fort Collins vs Thornton: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,692 | $113,472▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.21 | $54.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,026▲ | $82,648 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,631 | $92,973▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,900 | $135,702▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,532 | $157,671▲ |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $2,780 (2.51%). Thornton's median is +6.65% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $63,506,Thornton spans $75,023. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Thornton ($108,069 effective) pays 2.51% more than Fort Collins ($105,421 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,671)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,069)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Fort Collins grew 35.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -0.6% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$77,630 (2022) → $105,461 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$108,781 (2024) → $108,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Thornton as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Fort Collins vs Thornton?
Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% 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 Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov