Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Fredericksburg, TX: $70,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Fredericksburg, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,042 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,960 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,157) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring magnetic resonance imaging technologists, entering the field in Fredericksburg offers a promising start, with a projected 2026 starting salary at $70,042. This initial pay can create a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $89,157, but it sets the stage for substantial growth. Over the first few years, as new graduates gain experience, they can realistically expect to progress to around $78,532, reflecting their developing skill set and credentials. Fredericksburg presents a favorable environment for entry-level graduates, especially considering an annual growth rate of 5.03% within the field, signaling a positive outlook for job availability and salary increases in the coming years.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fredericksburg, TX typically start between $70,042 and $78,532 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,521 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,157 — 11.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $6,000 represents just 8.57% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($70,042/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $70,042 to $78,532, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $44,521 ( 63.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,042, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,563.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,515
2025 BLS Actual
$66,688
2026 Current Est.
$70,042
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,515 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,688 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,566 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, TX grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,515 in 2019 to $66,688 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,566. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Considering the local job market, various employers in Fredericksburg are poised to hire new graduates. Hospitals often seek experienced radiologic technologists who can be cross-trained in MRI, while outpatient imaging centers frequently recruit pre-credentialed MRI techs, sometimes even offering sign-on bonuses. For those aiming to enhance their credentials, obtaining ARRT registration in radiography paired with the ARRT(MR) certification, or pursuing the ARMRIT credential, can elevate starting pay in TX. Furthermore, as the demand for specialized skills like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI grows, new grads are encouraged to seek continuing education and join professional organizations such as the SMRT. In these formative years, MRI technologists can anticipate a realistic growth trajectory that positions them well within this rewarding, high-demand specialty, which consistently offers some of the highest compensation figures in radiologic technology.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Fredericksburg?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fredericksburg?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Fredericksburg?
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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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