Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Decatur, AL: $88,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Decatur, AL earns a median $88,310/year (≈ $42.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $100,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median annual salary of $88,310, reflecting the local demand for skilled professionals in this field. The pay spectrum ranges from $62,106 at the lower end to $116,720 for those in higher-paying roles. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and projected to 2026, highlight the significant impact that shift differentials and on-call responsibilities can have on total earnings. Many healthcare facilities in Decatur are increasingly willing to pay a premium for MRI technologists who can cover shifts during nights and weekends, especially in settings like trauma centers, further enhancing compensation for these essential roles in the community.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,106 | $29.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,153 | $35.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,310 | $42.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,131 | $47.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,720 | $56.12 |
Median Salary Position
11.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,614 (2026 est.). At $88,310, the local median is 11.94% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Decatur median: $88,310/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $88,134 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.94% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Decatur, AL earn a median of $88,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.94% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $88,134.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur 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.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,310 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,466 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,646
2025 BLS Actual
$84,081
2026 Current Est.
$88,310
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,773 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,124 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,882 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,752 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,646 (2019) to $84,081 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,752 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,106 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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) | $62,106 – $73,153 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,153 – $88,310 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,310 – $98,131 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,131 – $116,720 |
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 Decatur
With only nine magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Decatur, the local job market reveals both opportunities and challenges. A cost-of-living index of 87.9 indicates that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power remains a focus area for professionals. Imaging departments within hospitals often offer the highest pay, but outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed are also attractive options. The variance in earnings can be attributed to subspecialties, such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, as well as additional income streams from travel assignments and MRSO certification stipends. To maximize earning potential, technologists should consider diversifying their skills, obtaining advanced certifications, and actively seeking positions in specialized facilities that recognize and reward expertise in high-demand areas.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 $84,081 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Decatur 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 Decatur 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