Boulder vs Fort Collins: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,606▲ | $46,394 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.69▲ | $22.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,095▲ | $29,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,836▲ | $40,365 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,187▲ | $55,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,191▲ | $66,401 |
| Total Employed | 150 | N/A |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Boulder and Fort Collins is $11,212 (24.17%). Boulder's median is +27.10% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $43,096,Fort Collins spans $36,409. Boulder 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, Boulder ($54,758 effective) pays 19.36% more than Fort Collins ($45,877 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,606/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,191)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,758)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Boulder grew 42.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -2.4% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$39,450 (2021) → $56,250 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$46,420 (2021) → $45,302 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Boulder or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Fort Collins as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Boulder vs Fort Collins?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov