Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Flagstaff, AZ: $96,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Flagstaff, AZ earns a median $96,433/year (≈ $46.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Flagstaff's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $97,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual earnings for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Flagstaff, Arizona, are estimated at $96,433. This figure represents a competitive salary within the healthcare field, particularly when compared to the national median of $100,283. Technologists in the area can expect to see salary ranges from $71,645 at the lower end to as high as $128,598 at the upper end. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data and reflect regional price adjustments, indicating that professionals who manage shift differentials and on-call coverage may significantly elevate their top-end compensation. Such incentives are particularly relevant in Flagstaff's healthcare environment, which is evolving with new imaging technologies and subspecialties.
About the Flagstaff Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,645 | $34.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,678 | $39.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,433 | $46.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,915 | $51.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,598 | $61.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Flagstaff
In Flagstaff, AZ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,953 (2026 est.). At $96,433, the local median is 3.84% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Flagstaff: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Flagstaff Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Flagstaff median: $96,433/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Flagstaff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $98,805 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -3.84% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Flagstaff, AZ earn a median of $96,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $98,805.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Flagstaff has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Flagstaff, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $96,433 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,902 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,592
2025 BLS Actual
$91,815
2026 Current Est.
$96,433
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Flagstaff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,391 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,016 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,284 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Flagstaff metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $70,592 (2019) to $91,815 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,284 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,692 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Flagstaff 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) | $71,645 – $82,678 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,678 – $96,433 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,433 – $107,915 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,915 – $128,598 |
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 Flagstaff
Currently, Flagstaff employs 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, highlighting a niche but essential workforce within the local healthcare market. The cost of living index in the area sits at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively balanced. Top-paying employers in Flagstaff include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers, which are increasingly focused on advanced MRI applications like cardiac imaging and mpMRI. The substantial variation between the lower and upper ends of the pay spectrum is influenced by subspecialization, including factors such as the demand for expertise in areas like cardiac MRI and the compensation for covering shifts during off-hours. For those looking to optimize their earnings in Flagstaff, pursuing additional certifications like MRSO or aligning with mobile MRI services can further enhance income potential in this growing field.
More salary data for Flagstaff, AZ:
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 $91,815 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff 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