Denver vs Thornton: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Denver, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,460 | $55,315▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.18 | $26.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,105▲ | $39,689 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,989 | $46,573▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,321 | $70,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,039▲ | $85,738 |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Denver and Thornton are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Denver and Thornton is $855 (1.57%). Thornton's median is +22.05% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $45,934,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, Thornton ($52,681 effective) pays 2.33% more than Denver ($51,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,039)
- ✓Larger job market (1,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,315/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,681)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Denver grew 12.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Denver, CO
$47,150 (2021) → $53,178 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$51,191 (2024) → $54,013 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Denver or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Denver to Thornton as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Denver 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