Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $49.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lafayette, CO runs $49.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $49.00 in 2026, which surpasses the national hourly median of $48.21 for this occupation. This higher pay reflects the specialized skills required for imaging roles, particularly in settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers. For part-time technologists working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income, while those considering per diem work may find rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, depending on the facility and specialization. With hourly rates for entry-level technicians starting at around $34.42, earnings can rise significantly for top performers, who may earn up to $64.59 per hour as their experience and expertise grow.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.42 | $275.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.35 | $346.77 |
| Median (P50) | $49.00 | $391.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.76 | $422.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.59 | $516.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $49.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.00/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $101,913 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,796. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,959.86 | $8,493 | $101,913 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,175.92 | $5,096 | $61,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $783.94 | $3,397 | $40,765 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lafayette) | $49.00 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $101,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.62% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $105,274.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.00/hr = $61,148/year (purchasing power: $58,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,913/year (purchasing power: $97,060).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lafayette grew 30.1% from $35.87/hr (2019) to $46.65/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.46/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Under the current projected rates, a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $61,392 annually, compared to full-time colleagues earning around $101,905. Per diem workers have their own unique compensation structure, as the flexibility of these roles often comes with premium pay rates; cardiac MRI specialists can fetch rates between $75 and $110 per hour. In Lafayette, pay rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer, with agencies and mobile MRI companies typically offering higher hourly rates compared to established hospitals. While many technologists may opt for positions offering lower pay for increased benefits like health insurance, others choose the freedom of higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiation is key in this market; emphasizing specific skills, such as cardiac MRI or advanced imaging techniques, can lead to more attractive offers. Exploring various employment types, from traditional roles to per diem positions, allows technologists to find the pay structure that fits their financial and lifestyle needs in Lafayette, CO.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lafayette?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lafayette?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lafayette is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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