Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Golden, CO: $96,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Golden, CO earns a median $96,916/year (≈ $46.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $92,301 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, salaries for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Golden, Colorado, are projected to have a median annual value of $96,916. The salary range extends from $75,346 at the 10th percentile up to $123,484 at the 90th percentile, and these figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data combined with regional price adjustments. While this median is about 3.36% lower than the national average of $100,283, the local compensation is driven significantly by factors such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, as well as call coverage in busy imaging departments. Given the relatively small number of MRI technologists employed in Golden, professionals in this field enjoy a competitive edge in negotiating their pay and benefits.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,346 | $36.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,867 | $40.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,916 | $46.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,316 | $51.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,484 | $59.36 |
Median Salary Position
3.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,138 (2026 est.). At $96,916, the local median is 3.36% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Golden median: $96,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,344 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -3.36% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Golden, CO earn a median of $96,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $105,344.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,916 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,301 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,946
2025 BLS Actual
$92,275
2026 Current Est.
$96,916
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,946 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,183 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,763 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,929 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,275 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $70,946 (2019) to $92,275 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,845 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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) | $75,346 – $84,867 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,867 – $96,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,916 – $106,316 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,316 – $123,484 |
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 Golden
The local job market features just six magnetic resonance imaging technologists, indicating limited competition and a steady demand for skilled professionals in the area. Being within a higher cost of living index of 105 suggests that while salaries have appealing figures, take-home purchasing power may be impacted by living expenses. The highest-paying employers in Golden likely include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers, which tend to offer premiums for subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. Furthermore, job seekers can enhance their earnings through travel positions that typically pay more and offer stipends for certifications like MRSO. For those looking to maximize their pay, targeting high-demand subspecialties, negotiating shift differentials, and seeking employment at facilities with robust benefits packages can be effective strategies in this skilled market.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Golden?
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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 $92,275 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Golden 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 Golden 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