MRI Technologist Pay

Boulder vs Fountain: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Boulder, CO
$116,604
$56.05/hr
Fountain, CO
$99,977
$48.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, COFountain, CO
Median Salary$116,604$99,977
Hourly Rate$56.05$48.06
Entry Level (P10)$91,618$75,375
25th Percentile$111,048$86,145
75th Percentile$126,162$111,334
Top Earner (P90)$133,115$131,697
Total Employed604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($116,604) and Fountain ($99,977) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BoulderFountainMedian Salary$116,604$99,977Entry Level (P10)$91,618$75,375Top Earner (P90)$133,115$131,697US Median $100,283

Verdict

Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fountain.

The salary gap between Boulder and Fountain is $16,627 (16.63%). Boulder's median is +16.27% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $41,497,Fountain spans $56,322. Fountain has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Boulder
P10 (Entry)$91,618
P25$111,048
Median$116,604
P75$126,162
P90 (Top)$133,115
Fountain
P10 (Entry)$75,375
P25$86,145
Median$99,977
P75$111,334
P90 (Top)$131,697

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($110,838 effective) pays 16.41% more than Fountain ($95,216 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $116,604
CoL Index: 105.202
Adjusted: $110,838
Fountain
Nominal: $99,977
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $95,216

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 ($116,604/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($133,115)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,838)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Fountain if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Boulder grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Fountain over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+26.7%

$87,610 (2019) → $111,020 (2025)

Fountain, CO

+6.1%

$89,725 (2024) → $95,189 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Boulder or Fountain?

Boulder has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $116,604/year, compared to Fountain at $99,977/year — a difference of $16,627 (16.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Fountain?

Boulder magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $56.05/hr while Fountain hygienists earn $48.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boulder to Fountain as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Fountain. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $110,838, Fountain = $95,216), job availability (60 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Boulder vs Fountain?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $91,618 in Boulder and $75,375 in Fountain. The Boulder 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