Fort Collins vs Thornton: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,563 | $77,712▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.45 | $37.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,349▲ | $45,073 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,199▲ | $56,109 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,873 | $99,471▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,948 | $120,453▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $8,149 (11.71%). Thornton's median is +13.06% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $65,599,Thornton spans $75,380. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Thornton ($74,011 effective) pays 7.59% more than Fort Collins ($68,787 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,712/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,453)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,011)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Fort Collins grew 16.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$58,020 (2019) → $67,511 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$81,053 (2024) → $75,419 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Thornton as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Fort Collins vs Thornton?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov