Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $64,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Brookhaven, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,882 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookhaven's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,691 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,663) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging in Brookhaven, Georgia, the projected starting pay stands at $64,882 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median salary of $92,663, it still offers a solid foundation for newly minted technologists. With early-career professionals likely to see increases to approximately $76,545 at the 25th percentile within the first few years, there is potential for substantial growth in this field. The overall job market in Brookhaven appears favorable for new graduates, given the 5.03% annual growth rate in the profession, signaling optimism for those just starting their careers in medical imaging.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookhaven
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookhaven
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Brookhaven, GA typically start between $64,882 and $76,545 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,061 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,663 — 7.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Georgia of $5,000 represents just 7.71% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($64,882/year) in Brookhaven. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brookhaven
- 1Research the Brookhaven market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $64,882 to $76,545, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookhaven, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brookhaven for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookhaven's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Brookhaven is $63,061 ( 97.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,882, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,943.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,867
2025 BLS Actual
$61,775
2026 Current Est.
$64,882
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,867 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,419 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,573 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,146 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brookhaven, GA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,867 in 2019 to $61,775 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,146. New graduates entering the Brookhaven job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Brookhaven
For recent graduates eager to join the workforce, a variety of employers in Brookhaven actively seek entry-level MRI technologists. Larger hospital systems tend to prefer hiring experienced radiologic technologists, often cross-training them into MRI roles, while outpatient MRI facilities may offer lucrative sign-on bonuses to attract pre-credentialed technicians. To enhance their earning potential, aspiring technologists should focus on obtaining ARRT registration in radiography and pursuing the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification. Furthermore, those aiming for senior roles might benefit from additional qualifications, such as becoming a MR safety officer (MRSO). In the first few years, realistic salary growth can be expected as the demand for specialized roles in cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI continues to rise, positioning new professionals for potentially lucrative career advancements.
More salary data for Brookhaven, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Brookhaven in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Brookhaven?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Brookhaven?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Brookhaven?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Georgia?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brookhaven. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookhaven 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