Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Birmingham, AL: $88,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Birmingham, AL earns a median $88,530/year (≈ $42.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Birmingham's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.6), that paycheck buys what $96,602 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Birmingham, Alabama, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $88,530 for the year 2026, which reflects a competitive market rate compared to national averages. Offering a salary range from $68,427 at the lower percentile to $106,900 at the higher end, the compensation package is indicative of the area's unique demand for MRI specialists; those trained in cardiac MRI or neuro subspecialties are particularly valued and may command higher salaries. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights a locality where specialty training can significantly enhance earning potential, ensuring that skilled professionals can thrive in a rewarding career setting.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,427 | $32.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,086 | $36.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,530 | $42.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,714 | $43.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,900 | $51.39 |
Median Salary Position
11.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Birmingham
In Birmingham, AL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,473 (2026 est.). At $88,530, the local median is 11.72% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Birmingham: You'd be above the median
How Birmingham Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Birmingham median: $88,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Birmingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $88,177 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.72% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Birmingham, AL earn a median of $88,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.40% above the Alabama state average of $88,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Birmingham has a cost of living 8.36% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Birmingham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 91.644 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,530 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,602 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.12% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,620
2025 BLS Actual
$84,290
2026 Current Est.
$88,530
2019–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,983 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Birmingham metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 34.6% from $62,620 (2019) to $84,290 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,363 (48.49%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham 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) | $68,427 – $75,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,086 – $88,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,530 – $90,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,714 – $106,900 |
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 Birmingham
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Birmingham is steady, with approximately 150 individuals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index in Birmingham is set at 91.644, which is below the national average, allowing for a favorable purchasing power for technologists in the region. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed often provide the highest wages for MRI technologists. Factors influencing the disparity in pay include subspecialty expertise—particularly in cardiac MRI—as well as shift differentials for nights, weekends, and call coverage at trauma facilities. Additionally, pursuing MRSO certification can offer a stipend, while professionals taking on supplemental work as applications specialists can further increase their income. For those looking to maximize earnings in Birmingham, focusing on in-demand subspecialties, seeking diverse service environments, and considering travel opportunities can offer strategic advantages in a competitive field.
More salary data for Birmingham, 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 $84,290 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Birmingham 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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