Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Denver, CO: $111,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Denver, CO earns a median $111,248/year (≈ $53.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Denver's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.8), that paycheck buys what $105,167 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $111,248 in 2026, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Denver, CO, significantly exceeds the national average of $100,283. The salary range in this city spans from $89,969 at the lower tenth percentile to $127,548 at the upper ninety percentile, reflecting a robust market for MRI professionals. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), reveals that those working in hospital settings typically enjoy higher wages compared to outpatient imaging centers and mobile services due to the complexity and demand associated with their roles. The job market in Denver appears to be healthy, offering favorable opportunities for skilled technologists, particularly in specialized areas like cardiac MRI.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,969 | $43.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,184 | $49.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,248 | $53.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,566 | $57.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,548 | $61.32 |
Median Salary Position
10.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,579 (2026 est.). At $111,248, the local median is 10.93% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be above the median
How Denver Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Denver median: $111,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,249 | +5.70% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +10.93% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.78% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.782 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,248 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,167 — a 5.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,250
2025 BLS Actual
$105,920
2026 Current Est.
$111,248
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 21.4% from $87,250 (2019) to $105,920 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,594 (33.92%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $89,969 – $102,184 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,184 – $111,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,248 – $119,566 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,566 – $127,548 |
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 Denver
Recent estimates indicate that there are approximately 330 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in the Denver area, which highlights a competitive job market bolstered by a cost-of-living index of 105.782, providing slightly elevated purchasing power relative to the national average. Employers in hospital imaging departments tend to offer the highest salaries, especially for technologists with subspecialties or those willing to cover less desirable shifts, such as nights and weekends. The differential in pay can also be influenced by certifications like MRSO or additional roles as applications specialists. To maximize earnings in Denver, technologists should consider advancing their skills in high-demand areas, seek opportunities for overtime, and negotiate contracts when engaging with agencies or travel MRI companies. These strategies are vital for enhancing overall compensation given the region's growing demand for expert MRI services.
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
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 $105,920 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Denver 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