Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $72,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,667 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,414 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,001) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Williamsburg, Virginia, can anticipate starting salaries at approximately $72,667. This entry-level compensation is notably below the city's median salary of $98,001 for MRI technologists, highlighting a significant gap that may be expected during the initial stages of one's career. However, new technologists can expect gradual salary growth, moving from the entry-level range towards $83,179 within their first few years, ultimately approaching the median salary as they gain experience. With a robust growth rate of 5.03% projected annually in the field, Williamsburg presents a promising market for recent graduates entering this specialty.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $72,667 and $83,179 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,101 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,001 — 2.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Virginia of $6,500 represents just 8.94% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($72,667/year) in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $72,667 to $83,179, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg is $54,101 ( 74.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,667, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,768.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,371
2025 BLS Actual
$69,187
2026 Current Est.
$72,667
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,735 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,187 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,322 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,371 in 2019 to $69,187 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,322. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, a variety of healthcare employers are looking to hire new MRI technologists. Major hospital systems tend to favor experienced technologists, often cross-training them for MRI roles as an in-house investment, while outpatient MRI facilities frequently seek pre-credentialed technicians, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to attract new talent. To enhance starting pay, obtaining credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography (R) along with the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification or pursuing direct entry through the ARMRIT credential can be beneficial. In a market where MRI pay ranks among the highest in radiologic technology due to the specialized nature of the field, it's advantageous for new technologists to consider additional certifications, including those for cardiac MRI, which is rapidly growing, alongside the increasing standardization of 3T scanners in academic centers. Developing a clear career strategy within the first three years will facilitate salary progression in this dynamic environment.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Williamsburg in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Williamsburg?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Williamsburg?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Williamsburg?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Virginia?
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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 Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg 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