MRI Technologist Pay

Aurora vs Denver: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Aurora, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aurora, CO
$108,805
$52.30/hr
Denver, CO
$111,248
$53.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, CODenver, CO
Median Salary$108,805$111,248
Hourly Rate$52.30$53.48
Entry Level (P10)$75,648$89,969
25th Percentile$90,007$102,184
75th Percentile$123,514$119,566
Top Earner (P90)$150,797$127,548
Total Employed54330
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($108,805) and Denver ($111,248) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AuroraDenverMedian Salary$108,805$111,248Entry Level (P10)$75,648$89,969Top Earner (P90)$150,797$127,548US Median $100,283

Verdict

Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.

The salary gap between Aurora and Denver is $2,443 (2.25%). Denver's median is +10.93% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $75,149,Denver spans $37,579. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$75,648
P25$90,007
Median$108,805
P75$123,514
P90 (Top)$150,797
Denver
P10 (Entry)$89,969
P25$102,184
Median$111,248
P75$119,566
P90 (Top)$127,548

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($105,167 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($103,624 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $108,805
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $103,624
Denver
Nominal: $111,248
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $105,167

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($150,797)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Denver if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,248/year)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,167)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Aurora grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Denver over the same period.

Aurora, CO

+6.7%

$97,046 (2024) → $103,594 (2025)

Denver, CO

+21.4%

$87,250 (2019) → $105,920 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Aurora or Denver?

Denver has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $111,248/year, compared to Aurora at $108,805/year — a difference of $2,443 (2.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Denver?

Aurora magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $52.30/hr while Denver hygienists earn $53.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aurora to Denver as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Denver. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $103,624, Denver = $105,167), job availability (54 vs 330 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Aurora vs Denver?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $75,648 in Aurora and $89,969 in Denver. The Denver area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

CT

Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)

Career Analyst

Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% 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 Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov