Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Faribault, MN: $68,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,794 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,842 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,309) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the magnetic resonance imaging technologist field in Faribault, Minnesota can expect a starting salary around $68,794. This figure is notably lower than the city median annual salary of $93,309, creating a gap of approximately $24,500 that entry-level professionals will need to bridge over the initial years of their careers. With an expected career progression in this specialty, new technologists may find themselves moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $78,909 as they build experience and skills. Faribault represents a promising market for those entering the profession, supported by a healthy 5.03% growth trajectory that makes job opportunities more accessible for recent graduates entering this field.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Faribault, MN typically start between $68,794 and $78,909 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,469 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,309 — 6.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $7,500 represents just 10.90% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($68,794/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $68,794 to $78,909, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault's moderate 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 Faribault is $51,469 ( 74.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,794, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,263.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,632
2025 BLS Actual
$65,499
2026 Current Est.
$68,794
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,277 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,444 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,254 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,632 in 2019 to $65,499 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,254. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
In Faribault, various employers actively seek new graduates to fill MRI technologist roles, particularly hospitals that often hire experienced radiologic technologists and cross-train them in MRI as an investment in their workforce. Outpatient MRI centers also frequently recruit credentialed techs, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses, enhancing the attractiveness of these positions for recent graduates. To maximize the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in MN, obtaining credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography (R) and post-primary certification in MRI (ARRT(MR)) is essential. Those pursuing further specialization may consider the ARMRIT credential along with state licensing, where applicable. In the first few years, technologists should focus on advancing their skills, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, which are experiencing significant growth. With commitment and strategic career planning, realistic salary growth in the early years can lead to substantial rewards as experience accumulates in this lucrative area of healthcare.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Faribault in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Faribault?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Faribault?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Faribault?
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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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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