Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $77,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,561 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,352) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Grants Pass, Oregon, starting salaries are projected to be competitive in 2026. New graduates entering the field can expect an entry-level salary around $77,526, which is notably lower than the median annual pay of $99,352 for all MRI technologists in the city. This gap can be attributed to factors such as experience and additional certifications. However, the salary trajectory for entry-level professionals looks promising, with potential growth to $87,640 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median salary as they gain experience over the first three to five years. Overall, Grants Pass presents an encouraging job market for new grads, considering the growing demand for skilled MRI technologists.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $77,526 and $87,640 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,793 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,352 — 0.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oregon of $8,000 represents just 10.32% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($77,526/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $77,526 to $87,640, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass is $52,793 ( 68.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,805
2025 BLS Actual
$73,813
2026 Current Est.
$77,526
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,805 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,659 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,425 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,805 in 2019 to $73,813 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,425. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Employers in Grants Pass looking to hire new graduates typically comprise a mix of outpatient MRI chains and healthcare facilities. Many hospitals tend to prefer experienced radiologic technologists who they can train for MRI roles, making initial job prospects for fresh graduates somewhat limited in those settings. In contrast, outpatient MRI facilities may offer signing bonuses for pre-credentialed MRI technologists. Earning the ARRT registration in radiography followed by ARRT(MR) certification or obtaining the ARMRIT credential is beneficial in boosting one's starting pay. New professionals should also consider specializing in rising fields such as cardiac MRI or mpMRI, which are becoming increasingly relevant and lucrative. Realistically, within the first three years, entry-level technologists can expect gradual increases in salary that reflect their growing expertise, especially as cardiovascular and advanced research facilities utilize higher-tier scanners and invest in subspecialized techs.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Grants Pass in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Grants Pass?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Grants Pass?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Grants Pass?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Oregon?
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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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grants Pass 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