Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Auburn, AL: $86,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Auburn, AL earns a median $86,174/year (≈ $41.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $98,036 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Alabama, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median annual salary of $86,174, which is notably lower than the national median of $100,283. This pay structure reflects the distinct employment landscape in the region, primarily influenced by local healthcare facilities such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. The salary range for these professionals spans from $64,123 at the low end (P10) to $115,096 for those at the high end (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and incorporate regional cost adjustments, painting a clear picture of the competitive market for MRI technologists in Auburn.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,123 | $30.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,022 | $35.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,174 | $41.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,362 | $47.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,096 | $55.33 |
Median Salary Position
14.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, AL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,973 (2026 est.). At $86,174, the local median is 14.07% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $86,174/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $88,112 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.07% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Auburn, AL earn a median of $86,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $88,112.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn 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.
Auburn, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,174 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,036 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,082
2025 BLS Actual
$82,047
2026 Current Est.
$86,174
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,476 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,822 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,082 (2019) to $82,047 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,427 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $64,123 – $74,022 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,022 – $86,174 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,174 – $98,362 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,362 – $115,096 |
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 Auburn
With only 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in the area, job opportunities are relatively limited, but the lower cost of living index in Auburn, currently at 87.9, allows for a more manageable everyday expense despite the slightly lower pay compared to nationwide averages. Among various employers, hospital imaging departments tend to offer the most competitive compensation, often surpassing outpatient facilities and mobile MRI companies. Key factors influencing salary variation include subspecializations like cardiac MRI and the demand for shifts during nights and weekends. To maximize earning potential, technologists may consider pursuing additional certifications, such as MRSO, or seeking roles that include shift differentials and stipends for specialized skills. Embracing opportunities in expanding fields like cardiac MRI can also be advantageous in this market.
More salary data for Auburn, 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 $82,047 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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