Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cedar Hill, TX: $69,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Cedar Hill, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,104 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,983 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,627) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cedar Hill, Texas, the projected starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary for 2026 is around $69,104, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual wage of $93,627. For new graduates entering this field, this gap represents a typical entry-level pay scenario where advanced skills and certifications can eventually lead to higher earnings. The expected growth trajectory allows entry-level technologists to aim for a more competitive salary as they gain experience, with potential earnings moving closer to $79,578 within a few years. Cedar Hill currently presents a solid job market for new MR technologists, aided by a rising demand for skilled professionals in the region, reaffirming the viability of pursuing a career in this specialty.
About the Cedar Hill Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Hill
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 Cedar Hill
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar Hill, TX typically start between $69,104 and $79,578 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,485 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,627 — 6.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $6,000 represents just 8.68% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($69,104/year) in Cedar Hill. 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 Cedar Hill
- 1Research the Cedar Hill market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $69,104 to $79,578, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar Hill, 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 Cedar Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Hill'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 Cedar Hill is $52,485 ( 75.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,104, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,589.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,852
2025 BLS Actual
$65,795
2026 Current Est.
$69,104
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cedar Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,504 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,811 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,580 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Hill, TX grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,852 in 2019 to $65,795 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,580. New graduates entering the Cedar Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Hill 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 Cedar Hill
Several employers in Cedar Hill are open to hiring newly credentialed MRI technologists. Local hospital systems often invest in cross-training experienced radiologic techs for MRI roles, emphasizing the need for versatile candidates willing to acquire new skill sets. Outpatient MRI chains may recruit pre-credentialed technicians, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses as incentives. For those seeking specialized positions, such as cardiac MRI, having advanced training from an academic medical center can be a prerequisite. To enhance starting pay in Texas, completing ARRT certification in radiography (R) and securing ARRT(MR) post-primary certification, or obtaining credentials through ARMRIT, is advisable. Aspiring technologists should consider obtaining additional qualifications, like MR safety officer (MRSO) certification, as they carve their path in this advanced imaging field. With the current demand in subfields like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, new graduates can expect actual salary growth in the first few years that reflects their enhanced skill sets and specialized training.
More salary data for Cedar Hill, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar Hill in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Cedar Hill?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Cedar Hill?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Cedar Hill?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Texas?
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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 Cedar Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Hill 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