Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lakewood, CO: $105,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lakewood, CO earns a median $105,376/year (≈ $50.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $100,358 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lakewood, CO, the projected 2026 median annual salary stands at $105,376, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $100,283. This salary estimate places the pay range between $77,534 at the 10th percentile and $144,622 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a robust market for skilled professionals. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, highlight the attractiveness of working in various settings, including hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers. Given the area's employment of 27 MRI technologists, there is a sufficient demand that suggests stability in this profession.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,534 | $37.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,045 | $43.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,376 | $50.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,536 | $57.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,622 | $69.53 |
Median Salary Position
5.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,088 (2026 est.). At $105,376, the local median is 5.08% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $105,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,270 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +5.08% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $105,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $105,270.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,376 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,358 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,138
2025 BLS Actual
$100,329
2026 Current Est.
$105,376
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,289 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $77,138 (2019) to $100,329 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,538 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $77,534 – $90,045 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,045 – $105,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,376 – $119,536 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,536 – $144,622 |
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 Lakewood
Evaluating the local market reveals that the cost of living index in Lakewood is 105, which indicates a higher-than-average living expense that professionals must consider when assessing their take-home pay. MRI technologists here may find the highest compensation in hospital imaging departments, particularly those that offer specialized services like cardiac and neuro imaging. The salary variation can be attributed to factors such as the subspecialty involved, shift differentials, and the demand for on-call coverage in trauma settings. Additionally, pursuing certifications like MRSO and engaging in travel positions can provide significant pay increases. For maximizing earnings in Lakewood, technologists should consider networking within specialty groups, staying informed about emerging technologies, and seeking positions that offer stipends for additional certifications or specialized skills.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lakewood, CO in 2026?
Is Lakewood, CO a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $100,329 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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