Boulder vs Thornton: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,606▲ | $55,315 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.69▲ | $26.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,095▲ | $39,689 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,836▲ | $46,573 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,187▲ | $70,803 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,191 | $85,738▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Boulder and Thornton is $2,291 (4.14%). 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,Thornton spans $46,049. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($54,758 effective) pays 3.94% more than Thornton ($52,681 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)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,758)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,738)
- ✓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 5.5% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$39,450 (2021) → $56,250 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$51,191 (2024) → $54,013 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Boulder or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Thornton as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Boulder vs Thornton?
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