Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cedar City, UT: $71,308 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Cedar City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,308 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,689 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,063) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Cedar City offers a promising entry point for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, with starting salaries for new graduates projected at around $71,308 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $97,063, which indicates ample room for professional growth over the initial years. Furthermore, as entry-level professionals build experience, they can realistically aim for potential salaries around $86,009 within just a few years. With a 5.03% growth rate projected for this career path, Cedar City is establishing itself as a favorable market for new MRI technologists, combining a relatively lower cost of living index against the overall compensation available in the field.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar City
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 City
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar City, UT typically start between $71,308 and $86,009 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,918 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,063 — 3.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Utah of $5,500 represents just 7.71% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($71,308/year) in Cedar City. 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 City
- 1Research the Cedar City market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $71,308 to $86,009, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar City, 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 City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar City'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 City is $50,918 ( 71.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,308, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,226.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,410
2025 BLS Actual
$67,893
2026 Current Est.
$71,308
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,115 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,308 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,895 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar City, UT grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,410 in 2019 to $67,893 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,895. New graduates entering the Cedar City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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 City
Entering the workforce as an MRI technologist in Cedar City involves understanding the types of employers that regularly recruit new graduates. Hospital systems tend to prefer experienced candidates but may invest in cross-training existing radiologic technologists into MRI roles, providing a pathway for growth and mentorship. Conversely, outpatient centers often seek pre-credentialed MRI techs, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to attract fresh talent. To enhance starting pay, obtaining ARRT registration in radiography (R) alongside ARRT(MR) certification can be advantageous, as well as pursuing pathways like ARMRIT, and possibly the MRSO credential for future advancement. Within the first few years, as the demand for specialties like cardiac MRI and prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) increases, aspiring technologists can expect their earnings to rise significantly, reflecting the specialty’s status as one of the highest-paying areas within radiologic technology.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar City in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Cedar City?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Cedar City?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Cedar City?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Utah?
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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 City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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