Fort Collins vs Golden: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,692▲ | $102,827 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.21▲ | $49.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,026 | $85,273▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,631▲ | $90,756 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,900▲ | $116,951 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,532▲ | $130,018 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Golden.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Golden is $7,865 (7.65%). Fort Collins's median is +4.04% 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,Golden spans $44,745. Fort Collins 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 ($105,421 effective) pays 7.65% more than Golden ($97,930 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,692/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,532)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,421)
- ✓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, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Fort Collins grew 35.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -0.6% growth in Golden over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$77,630 (2022) → $105,461 (2025)
Golden, CO
$98,576 (2024) → $97,968 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Golden, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Fort Collins or Golden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Golden?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Golden as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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