Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lafayette, CO: $101,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lafayette, CO earns a median $101,905/year (≈ $49.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $97,052 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, the projected earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is quite favorable, with an estimated median annual salary reaching $101,905 in 2026. This local compensation is slightly higher than the national median of $100,283, reflecting the unique demand for skilled professionals in this specialized field. The salary range for technologists in the area spans from $71,598 at the lower 10th percentile to $134,364 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant opportunities for wage growth. These estimates stem from BLS state-level data and adjusted regional price indices, which reveal a competitive job market for MRI technologists. Factors such as the presence of hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging companies contribute to diverse employment options within Lafayette, making it an attractive location for both new entrants and experienced professionals in the field.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,598 | $34.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,150 | $43.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,905 | $49.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,733 | $52.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,364 | $64.59 |
Median Salary Position
1.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,766 (2026 est.). At $101,905, the local median is 1.62% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lafayette Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $101,905/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,274 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +1.62% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lafayette, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,905 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,052 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,598
2025 BLS Actual
$97,025
2026 Current Est.
$101,905
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,025 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,031 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $74,598 (2019) to $97,025 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,031 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,433 (43.48%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,598 – $90,150 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,150 – $101,905 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,905 – $109,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,733 – $134,364 |
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 Lafayette
With only seven magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Lafayette, the local job market is relatively small but demonstrates a strong potential for growth, supported by an annual growth rate of 5.03%. However, a cost of living index of 105 indicates that individuals may face higher expenses compared to the national average. This reality influences take-home pay for technologists, making it crucial for candidates to evaluate their options carefully. Hospitals generally offer more comprehensive benefits and higher wages, especially for night and weekend shifts or call coverage, while outpatient centers like RadNet can provide more predictable hours. To maximize income in Lafayette, MRI technologists should consider enhancing their qualifications through subspecialty certifications in areas like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, which are rapidly expanding and could demand higher pay. Moreover, pursuing MRSO certification can also lead to additional stipends, which may further elevate earning potential in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lafayette, CO in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lafayette?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary 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
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 $97,025 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lafayette 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 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