Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $53.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Denver, CO runs $53.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,745 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, the projected magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is $53.48, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This competitive pay reflects the specialized skills required for MRI work and the growing demand for MRI services in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $43.25 per hour, while experienced technologists can make up to $61.32 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those scheduled three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a comfortable income, allowing flexibility to maintain work-life balance or pursue additional training in modalities like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, which continue to expand in importance across the field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.25 | $346.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.12 | $392.98 |
| Median (P50) | $53.48 | $427.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.48 | $459.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.32 | $490.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $53.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.48/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $111,241 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,178. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,139.25 | $9,270 | $111,241 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,283.55 | $5,562 | $66,745 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $855.70 | $3,708 | $44,496 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Denver) | $53.48 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $111,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.93% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.70% above the Colorado state average of $105,249.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.48/hr = $66,745/year (purchasing power: $63,096).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,241/year (purchasing power: $105,161).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Denver grew 21.4% from $41.95/hr (2019) to $50.92/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.17/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 Denver 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 Denver
Evaluating the financial landscape, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working 24 hours a week can expect a substantial annual income based on their average hourly earnings, offering a viable alternative to full-time positions. Per diem opportunities vary widely; MRI techs can bill between $55 and $85 per hour, especially for cardiac MRI, where rates can peak at $110 per hour. Travel contracts present an even more lucrative option, with weekly pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, making the per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Denver particularly attractive. Hourly rates are influenced by employer types, with hospitals generally providing higher base pay but varying benefits compared to outpatient centers or mobile MRI services. Consequently, some technologists may opt for positions that offer lower hourly compensation but increased job security and health benefits. For those engaged in negotiation, understanding the local job market and specific employer needs can lead to more favorable pay arrangements tailored to individual career goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denver. 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