Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Alabaster, AL: $85,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Alabaster, AL earns a median $85,411/year (≈ $41.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Alabaster's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $97,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, the expected annual compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $85,411 in 2026, reflecting a significant commitment to specialty roles in healthcare. Notably, the salary range for this position spans from $66,862 at the 10th percentile to $112,816 at the 90th percentile, indicative of the diversity in employment settings, from hospital imaging departments to outpatient chains. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted by regional economic conditions, suggest that the pay remains competitive yet is aligned with the cost of living in the area. Alabaster's medical facilities are likely focusing on attracting talented professionals in a growing field, especially with the rapid advancement in MRI technology and an increasing demand for specialized services.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,862 | $32.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,684 | $36.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,411 | $41.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,093 | $44.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,816 | $54.24 |
Median Salary Position
14.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alabaster
In Alabaster, AL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,954 (2026 est.). At $85,411, the local median is 14.83% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Alabaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alabaster Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Alabaster median: $85,411/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alabaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $88,144 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.83% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $85,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.83% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $88,144.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alabaster has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alabaster, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,411 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,168 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,524
2025 BLS Actual
$81,321
2026 Current Est.
$85,411
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,916 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,321 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,708 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alabaster metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,524 (2019) to $81,321 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,708 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,184 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,862 – $75,684 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,684 – $85,411 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,411 – $92,093 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,093 – $112,816 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Alabaster
As of now, eight magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed within Alabaster, creating a niche job market for practitioners in this field. The local cost of living index is 87.9, which is notably below the national average, allowing for an enhanced purchasing power despite salaries that trail the national benchmark of $100,283. In Alabaster, major employers contributing to higher pay scales include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers, which may offer unique incentives, including shift differentials and specialized stipends for more challenging subspecialties like cardiac MRI. Additional opportunities for increased earnings can be found through travel assignments and supplemental income from roles such as applications specialists. For those aiming to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Alabaster, maintaining certifications like MRSO or pursuing advanced training in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI can prove advantageous.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,321 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Alabaster metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster 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