Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Surprise, AZ: $98,565 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Surprise, AZ earns a median $98,565/year (≈ $47.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $100,066 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, the projected annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 stands at $98,565, reflecting a robust compensation structure within this specialized field. The estimated salary range spans from $72,078 at the 10th percentile to $134,697 at the 90th percentile, indicating that there is significant potential for higher earnings, particularly in high-demand settings such as hospital imaging departments. These figures stem from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, incorporating local regional price adjustments. Compared to the national median salary of $100,283, the pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Surprise is slightly below average, yet it presents a strong opportunity for those considering a career in this area, especially given the city's expanding healthcare landscape.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,078 | $34.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,889 | $40.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,565 | $47.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,466 | $53.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,697 | $64.76 |
Median Salary Position
1.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,619 (2026 est.). At $98,565, the local median is 1.71% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Surprise median: $98,565/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $98,763 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -1.71% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $98,565 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $98,763.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise 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.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $98,565 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,066 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,153
2025 BLS Actual
$93,845
2026 Current Est.
$98,565
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,153 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,411 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,035 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,306 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,527 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,565 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,523 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $72,153 (2019) to $93,845 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,523 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,370 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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) | $72,078 – $83,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,889 – $98,565 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,565 – $111,466 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,466 – $134,697 |
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 Surprise
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Surprise includes approximately 31 professionals, which suggests a concentrated yet stable demand in this sector. With the cost of living index at 98.5, the economic reality is that technologists in Surprise have relatively favorable purchasing power compared to national averages. Among various employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest salaries, while outpatient MRI centers and mobile MRI businesses can provide competitive rates as well. Variability in pay is influenced by several factors, including subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro MRI, shift differentials, and additional incentives for evening and weekend shifts. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Surprise, pursuing additional certifications, such as MRSO, and gaining experience in high-demand subspecialties can significantly bolster their pay potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Surprise, 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 $93,845 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Surprise 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 Surprise 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