Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Durango, CO: $98,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Durango, CO earns a median $98,666/year (≈ $47.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $93,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation outlook for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Durango, Colorado is promising, with an estimated median annual salary of $98,666. Salaries for technologists in this city range from $79,784 at the lower end to $125,907 for those at the higher end of the scale. These figures are informed by local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, along with adjustments for the cost of living in the area. When considering the structures of employment, those in hospital imaging departments may typically enjoy more comprehensive benefits and stability compared to outpatient centers or travel opportunities, shaping the salary dynamics for MRI professionals in this scenic mountain town.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,784 | $38.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,559 | $42.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,666 | $47.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,488 | $50.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,907 | $60.53 |
Median Salary Position
1.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,123 (2026 est.). At $98,666, the local median is 1.61% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Durango median: $98,666/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,300 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -1.61% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Durango, CO earn a median of $98,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.61% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $105,300.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,666 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $93,968 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,227
2025 BLS Actual
$93,941
2026 Current Est.
$98,666
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,227 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,629 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $72,227 (2019) to $93,941 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,629 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,402 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $79,784 – $88,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,559 – $98,666 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,666 – $104,488 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,488 – $125,907 |
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 Durango
With approximately five magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Durango, the local job market exhibits a compact but specialized environment. The cost-of-living index stands at 105, indicating that while salaries may slightly lag behind the national median, local purchasing power is essential for financial well-being. Employers who tend to offer higher pay include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers, catering to fields like orthopedic surgery and neuroscience where advanced imaging technology is vital. Factors such as subspecialty expertise, shift differentials, and on-call requirements can significantly influence salary variations. For instance, technologists specializing in cardiac MRI generally command higher wages than those in more general roles. To optimize salary in the Durango market, pursuing MRSO certification or engaging in travel MRI assignments can provide advantageous opportunities, helping professionals elevate their earning potential in a competitive field.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Durango, CO in 2026?
Is Durango, CO a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Durango?
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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 $93,941 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Durango 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
Salary data for Durango 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