Radiologic Technologist Jobs in Denver, CO
Radiologic technologists in the Denver metro earned a median of about $47 an hour in 2025, and CT-certified techs at Kaiser Permanente have been posted near $58. Here are the current openings, followed by who hires X-ray techs in Denver and how to get registered.
Current radiologic technologist Openings in Denver, CO
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Radiologic Technologist Work in Denver
Denver X-ray work is spread across three hospital clusters and a ring of outpatient imaging sites. Denver Health runs radiography on its main campus at 777 Bannock Street near the Golden Triangle and in neighborhood clinics such as the Pena clinic in northeast Denver. On the Anschutz Medical Campus in north Aurora, off Colfax and I-225, Children's Hospital Colorado staffs pediatric imaging, and it also posts radiologic and CT technologist roles at its Highlands Ranch site along C-470. AdventHealth Porter on South Downing Street covers south Denver, and Kaiser Permanente floats techs between its Franklin Medical Offices and nearby medical office buildings.
What sets Denver apart is the premium on a second modality. General radiographers start in the $26 to $33 range, but techs who add CT, MRI or interventional work move into the top of the market quickly, and Level I trauma volume at Denver Health keeps nights and weekends staffed around the clock. Jobs inside Denver city limits must also pay at least the city minimum wage of $19.29 an hour in 2026, though rad tech pay sits far above that floor.
Top Denver Employers for Radiologic Technologists
These health systems employ radiologic technologists across the Denver metro:
- AdventHealth Porter - the south Denver hospital on South Downing Street hires ARRT radiology technologists and considers new graduates of accredited programs.
- Children's Hospital Colorado - hires Radiologic Technologist I and CT X-ray technologists for pediatric imaging on the Anschutz campus in Aurora and at Highlands Ranch.
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado - staffs CT and general radiology technologists who float between Franklin Medical Offices and other Denver medical office buildings.
- Denver Health - the city's safety-net system and Level I trauma center hires radiography technologists for its Bannock Street campus and community clinics, on days and nights.
Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Denver
- Entry level: about $26 to $33 an hour for newly registered radiographers.
- Experienced: roughly $37 to $50 an hour with several years of hospital or trauma imaging.
- Senior and advanced modality: $50 to $58 an hour for CT, MRI and lead technologists.
These are estimates built from BLS figures for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metro, where the median radiologic technologist earned about $47.12 an hour in 2025, and from ranges Denver employers have posted: $25.96 to $38.94 at Denver Health, $27.15 to $50.50 at AdventHealth Porter and $43.84 to $57.97 for CT work at Kaiser Permanente. A second ARRT credential, night and weekend shifts, and hospital versus clinic settings move pay the most.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Denver
Colorado does not issue a state license to radiologic technologists. Instead, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulates who may operate X-ray equipment, and a current American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registration in radiography means no additional state operator registration is required. Hospitals in Denver ask for ARRT RT(R) plus a BLS card. Red Rocks Community College runs a JRCERT-accredited Radiologic Technology AAS at its Arvada Campus on West 55th Avenue, a 79-credit, five-semester program that starts each August, with applications taken December 15 through January 31. Pima Medical Institute also offers an associate Radiography program at its Denver campus on Dakin Street. Limited scope X-ray operators, often found in urgent cares, register with CDPHE separately and cannot perform CT, fluoroscopy, mammography or contrast studies.
What the Job Involves
Radiologic technologists position patients and equipment, set exposure factors and capture diagnostic X-ray images of the chest, bones, abdomen and spine. They review images for quality, shield patients and staff from unnecessary radiation, run portable exams in the ICU and emergency department, and assist radiologists with fluoroscopy. They also verify orders, explain procedures to anxious patients and document each exam in the imaging system.
Skills Employers Look For
- ARRT registration in radiography, RT(R)
- Current BLS card
- Positioning skill across trauma, portable and pediatric exams
- Radiation safety and ALARA practice
- PACS and electronic health record experience
- Clear, calm communication with patients
- Willingness to cross-train in CT or MRI
Career Path and Advancement
Most Denver rad techs start in general radiography, often on nights or PRN, then cross-train into CT, MRI, mammography or interventional radiology and earn an additional ARRT credential. From there the path leads to lead technologist, imaging supervisor and department manager roles at Denver Health, Children's Colorado and the Anschutz campus, or into teaching at programs like Red Rocks Community College.
Related Careers in Denver
If medical imaging interests you, these related Denver healthcare roles are close matches:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a radiologic technologist in Denver?
Colorado has no state rad tech license. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment accepts a current ARRT radiography registration in place of a separate operator registration, and Denver hospitals require ARRT RT(R) to hire you.
How much do radiologic technologists make in Denver?
New radiographers generally start around $26 to $33 an hour, experienced techs earn about $37 to $50, and CT, MRI or lead technologists can reach $50 to $58. The 2025 metro median was about $47 an hour.
How long does it take to become an X-ray tech in Denver?
The Radiologic Technology AAS at Red Rocks Community College runs five full-time semesters, starting in August. Graduates then sit for the ARRT radiography exam before applying to hospital jobs.
What is a limited scope X-ray operator in Colorado?
A limited scope operator has passed a state-approved exam and registered with CDPHE to take basic X-rays of the chest, extremities, spine and similar areas. They cannot do CT, fluoroscopy, mammography or contrast studies, so hospital jobs still call for full ARRT registration.
Do Denver hospitals hire new graduate rad techs?
Yes. AdventHealth Porter considers new graduates of an accredited radiologic technology program, and Children's Colorado posts entry-level Radiologic Technologist I roles. PRN and night positions are often the easiest way in.
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