MRI Technologist Pay

Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Syracuse, UT: $67,809 (2026)

Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Syracuse, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,809 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,122 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,598) within a few years of clinical practice.

$67,809
Starting Salary
$32.60/hr
Starting Hourly
$67,809
Entry Level
$95,598
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Entry Level Salary in Syracuse, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Syracuse, UT magnetic resonance imaging technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the magnetic resonance imaging field in Syracuse, Utah, the anticipated starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in 2026 is projected to be around $67,809. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $95,598, indicating a notable gap that emphasizes the importance of experience in this field. Early-career MRI technologists can expect to see a trajectory where they move up from this starting salary to approximately $82,921 within the first few years, gradually closing the gap toward the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.03%, Syracuse presents a decent market for recent graduates, offering opportunities for professional development as the healthcare sector continues to expand, particularly in specialties like cardiac MRI.

About the Syracuse Market

Salary estimated from Utah average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$67,809/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$82,921/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$95,598/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$107,136/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Syracuse. The median salary is $95,598, compared to the national median of $100,283.$61.0K$79.0K$97.0K$114.9K$132.9K$67.8K10th Pctl$82.9K25th Pctl$95.6KMedian$107.1K75th Pctl$126.6K90th PctlUS Median$100.3K

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Syracuse, UT typically start between $67,809 and $82,921 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,758 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,5984.67% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in the Syracuse metro area.

Return on Investment

$5,500
Avg UT Program Cost
$67,809
Starting Salary
8.11%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Utah of $5,500 represents just 8.11% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($67,809/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse

  • 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $67,809 to $82,921, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $58,758 ( 86.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,809, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,567.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$47,937

2025 BLS Actual

$64,562

2026 Current Est.

$67,809

2019–2027 Growth

+48.6%

Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Syracuse (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Syracuse. Baseline $47,937 in 2025, projected to $71,220 by 2027.$43.3K$51.4K$59.6K$67.7K$75.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$47.9K$49.6K$55.4K$56.7K$57.6K$53.9K$64.6K$67.8K$71.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$47,937Actual
2020$49,558Actual
2021$55,396Actual
2022$56,727Actual
2023$57,608Actual
2024$53,861Actual
2025$64,562Actual
2026(current)$67,809Estimated
2027$71,220Projected

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, UT grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,937 in 2019 to $64,562 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,220. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Syracuse

In Syracuse, various employers actively seek entry-level MRI technologists, which can create a competitive edge for new grads. Many hospital systems prefer to hire experienced radiologic technologists and then invest in cross-training for MRI to obtain proficiency while retaining talent. Conversely, outpatient MRI clinics tend to recruit pre-credentialed technicians, often offering sign-on bonuses as an incentive. Those looking to enhance their credentials can benefit from obtaining ARRT registration in radiography, followed by the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification, or pursue entry through ARMRIT. Continuing education, especially in high-demand areas like 3T and 7T MRI technology, positions professionals favorably in a market where salary growth during the first few years can be significant. Within a few years, new grads can expect their compensation to align closer with the higher remuneration associated with specialized practices such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, thus creating a rewarding career path in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Syracuse in 2026?

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Syracuse start at approximately $67,809/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.03% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $32.60/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Syracuse?

Most magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Syracuse progress from the entry-level salary of $67,809 to the area median of $95,598 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $126,567 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Syracuse?

With a starting salary of $67,809/year in Syracuse and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new magnetic resonance imaging technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Syracuse?

New radiologic technology graduates in Syracuse typically start near the 10th percentile at $67,809/year, or approximately $32.60/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Utah?

To become a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Utah, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is typically required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some magnetic resonance imaging technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Syracuse is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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