Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in San Antonio, TX: $80,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the San Antonio, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Antonio's local price level (BEA RPP 94.7 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,296 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,096) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in San Antonio, Texas, can expect an entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary of around $80,789 in 2026. Although this figure falls below the city’s median salary of $99,096, it provides a solid starting point for those looking to build a career in this growing specialty. For new radiologic technologists, the first few years are crucial as they often experience a gradual increase in pay. Positions typically move from starting salaries at approximately $80,789 to around $85,620 by the 25th percentile within a few years, potentially advancing towards the median as skills and experience accumulate. Given the promising 5.03% growth trajectory in this field, San Antonio remains an attractive market for fresh graduates aiming to establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Antonio
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 San Antonio
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Antonio, TX typically start between $80,789 and $85,620 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,358 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,096 — 1.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $6,000 represents just 7.43% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($80,789/year) in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio
- 1Research the San Antonio market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $80,789 to $85,620, 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5San Antonio'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 San Antonio is $28,358 ( 35.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,147.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,560
2025 BLS Actual
$76,920
2026 Current Est.
$80,789
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,853 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in San Antonio, TX grew 38.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,560 in 2019 to $76,920 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,853. New graduates entering the San Antonio job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Antonio 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 San Antonio
Employers in San Antonio that are willing to hire new grad magnetic resonance imaging technologists include hospital systems, outpatient MRI chains, and academic medical centers. Hospital systems often prefer experienced rad techs, choosing to cross-train them in MRI, but outlets like outpatient chains actively recruit pre-credentialed MRI techs, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to attract talent. Moreover, roles specializing in cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI typically demand advanced training through academic programs, emphasizing the need for credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography (R) followed by ARRT(MR) certification or the alternative ARMRIT route. Enhancing one’s skill set with additional certifications, like the MR safety officer (MRSO), could also translate into increased starting pay in TX. The first three years in this profession offer considerable salary growth—MRI technologists frequently advance to higher-paying positions within subspecialties offering competitive wages, particularly in the latest 3T and 7T imaging technologies, where specialization is increasingly sought after.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Antonio in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in San Antonio?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in San Antonio?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in San Antonio?
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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 San Antonio. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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