Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $56.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Boulder, CO runs $56.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,604 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,956 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is set at a median of $56.05, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive rate reflects the specialized nature of MRI technology, particularly in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. For part-time technologists working three days a week, this middle rate translates to an attractive compensation, while those seeking per-diem opportunities can cater their hours according to their preference, finding a market that often values flexible scheduling. Hourly earnings range from $44.05 at the entry-level to $64.01 for the upper echelons of experience, highlighting the potential for both new graduates and seasoned professionals in this vital healthcare role. The statistics referenced are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.05 | $352.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.39 | $427.09 |
| Median (P50) | $56.05 | $448.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.65 | $485.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.01 | $512.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $56.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.05/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $116,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,265. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,242.18 | $9,716 | $116,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,345.31 | $5,830 | $69,956 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $896.87 | $3,886 | $46,637 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Boulder) | $56.05 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Boulder, CO earn a median of $116,604 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.27% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 10.70% above the Colorado state average of $105,334.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.05/hr = $69,956/year (purchasing power: $66,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,593/year (purchasing power: $110,828).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Boulder grew 26.7% from $42.12/hr (2019) to $53.37/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Boulder
Analyzing the part-time earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Boulder reveals interesting dynamics. A tech working three days per week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could expect an annual income that aligns closely with their full-time counterparts, particularly if they choose to supplement their schedule with per-diem shifts. Per-diem roles, often billed at $55 to $85 per hour, are appealing for those who wish to enjoy more control over their schedules. With travel contracts offering pay upwards of $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, many technologists are weighing the benefits of contract work versus traditional employment. Boulder’s diverse employment landscape—ranging from hospitals to outpatient centers and mobile services—creates variations in hourly rates. While some technologists may accept lower rates for positions that provide health insurance, others actively seek higher-paying, benefit-less roles. For those negotiating hourly pay, being armed with knowledge about local trends can make a significant difference in achieving favorable compensation.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Boulder in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Boulder?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Boulder paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Boulder?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Boulder?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Boulder. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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