Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Boulder, CO: $116,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Boulder, CO earns a median $116,604/year (≈ $56.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $110,838 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.7% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the projected salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 stands at $116,604, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283, reflecting a competitive job market bolstered by local healthcare infrastructure. The salary range for this role varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $91,618 (P10) and experienced technologists earning up to $133,115 (P90). These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicate a healthy demand for MRI specialists in Boulder, where the balance of employment between hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI clinics, and potentially travel opportunities likely influences compensation structures and job availability.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,618 | $44.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,048 | $53.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,604 | $56.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,162 | $60.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,115 | $64.01 |
Median Salary Position
16.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,497 (2026 est.). At $116,604, the local median is 16.27% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be above the median
How Boulder Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Boulder median: $116,604/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,334 | +10.70% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +16.27% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,604 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,838 — a 4.94% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,610
2025 BLS Actual
$111,020
2026 Current Est.
$116,604
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,470 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 26.7% from $87,610 (2019) to $111,020 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,470 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,860 (39.79%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $91,618 – $111,048 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,048 – $116,604 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,604 – $126,162 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,162 – $133,115 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Boulder
Currently, there are approximately 60 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in the Boulder area. The cost of living index at 105.202 indicates that living expenses are somewhat higher than the national average, which could impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments may offer the most competitive salaries, while outpatient and mobile MRI systems also provide solid compensation opportunities depending on the specific services provided. Factors such as specialty focus—where cardiac and neuro MRI specialists typically command higher pay—shift differentials for evenings and weekends, call coverage at trauma centers, and additional income from applications specialist roles contribute to the range in salaries. For those aspiring to enhance their earning potential in Boulder’s market, pursuing certifications such as MRSO and focusing on in-demand subspecialties can create more lucrative opportunities amidst growing trends in cardiac and prostate mpMRI imaging.
More salary data for Boulder, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $111,020 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Boulder metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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