Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $101,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $101,317/year (≈ $48.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $96,492 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the projected median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $101,317, reflecting a modest increase over the national median of $100,283. Local salaries range from $78,578 at the tenth percentile to $132,456 at the ninetieth percentile, indicating robust earning potential driven significantly by shift differentials and call coverage. These higher earnings often arise from positions requiring night and weekend work, particularly in hospital imaging departments and trauma centers where demand for MRI services is high. This localized data is based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities, ensuring a clear understanding of compensation within the Wheat Ridge area.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,578 | $37.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,918 | $42.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,317 | $48.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,213 | $53.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,456 | $63.68 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,878 (2026 est.). At $101,317, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $101,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $105,319 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +1.03% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $101,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $105,319.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,317 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,492 — a 4.76% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$74,167
2025 BLS Actual
$96,465
2026 Current Est.
$101,317
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,167 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,461 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,928 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,413 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $74,167 (2019) to $96,465 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,413 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,246 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $78,578 – $88,918 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,918 – $101,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,317 – $112,213 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,213 – $132,456 |
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 Wheat Ridge
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wheat Ridge consists of eight employed professionals, reflecting a competitive environment for job seekers. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 105, slightly above the national average, which may impact overall take-home purchasing power, especially in terms of housing and daily expenses. Employers in outpatient MRI imaging centers, orthopedic surgery practices, and mobile MRI services tend to offer the highest compensation packages. Variations in pay are often linked to subspecialties—cardiac MRI generally commanding higher rates than general or musculoskeletal imaging, for example. Leveraging certifications, such as MRSO or specialized training in growing subspecialties, can also significantly enhance earning potential. For those in Wheat Ridge, considering opportunities with travel agencies may present additional income possibilities, capitalizing on variations in demand and regional pay scales.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wheat Ridge, CO in 2026?
Is Wheat Ridge, CO a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Wheat Ridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Wheat Ridge?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Wheat Ridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 $96,465 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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