Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Sierra Vista, AZ: $94,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Sierra Vista, AZ earns a median $94,501/year (≈ $45.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Sierra Vista's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $95,940 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sierra Vista can anticipate a median annual salary of $94,501, a figure that falls slightly below the national average of $100,283. Salaries in the area range from $72,006 at the lower end to as much as $122,504 for the top percentile. These projections reflect localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjustments for regional cost factors, suggesting that those in this field are rewarded for specialized skills, particularly contributing to high-end salaries through shift differentials and call coverage assignments. With the job market consisting of nine MRI technologists, the opportunities for specialization in subspecialties can further enhance earnings potential.
About the Sierra Vista Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,006 | $34.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,283 | $39.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,501 | $45.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,029 | $50.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,504 | $58.90 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sierra Vista
In Sierra Vista, AZ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,498 (2026 est.). At $94,501, the local median is 5.77% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sierra Vista: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sierra Vista Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Sierra Vista median: $94,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sierra Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $98,747 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -5.77% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sierra Vista, AZ earn a median of $94,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.30% below the Arizona state average of $98,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sierra Vista 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.
Sierra Vista, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $94,501 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,940 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,177
2025 BLS Actual
$89,975
2026 Current Est.
$94,501
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sierra Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,975 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,254 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sierra Vista metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $69,177 (2019) to $89,975 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,254 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,077 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sierra Vista 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) | $72,006 – $82,283 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,283 – $94,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,501 – $104,029 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,029 – $122,504 |
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 Sierra Vista
With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, Sierra Vista presents a relatively affordable environment for those pursuing careers in magnetic resonance imaging. The local compensation landscape can be influenced notably by the type of employer; hospitals typically offer higher salaries than outpatient imaging centers or mobile MRI providers. Factors such as subspecialty certifications, shift work, and the demands of call coverage significantly affect pay scales. For example, technologists with expertise in cardiac MRI often see greater compensation than those focused solely on general MRI. To maximize earnings in this market, pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and exploring additional roles, such as applications specialist or travel MRI positions, can prove beneficial. Additionally, the growth of cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI programs creates avenues for specialized expertise that will continue to be in demand, enhancing overall pay opportunities in Sierra Vista, AZ.
More salary data for Sierra Vista, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Sierra Vista?
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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 $89,975 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Sierra Vista 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 Sierra Vista 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