Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Benton, AR: $85,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Benton, AR earns a median $85,373/year (≈ $41.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $98,243 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $85,373 in 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Benton, AR, can find competitive compensation within the local healthcare sector. The salary spectrum ranges from $61,345 at the 10th percentile to $109,332 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various subspecialties and the local demand for skilled technicians. Notably, positions specializing in cardiac MRI and neuro MRI might command higher pay due to the growing need for experts in these areas. These salary figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic factors, which highlights the importance of subspecialization in determining earnings potential in Benton’s job market.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,345 | $29.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,597 | $34.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,373 | $41.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,166 | $44.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,332 | $52.57 |
Median Salary Position
14.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,987 (2026 est.). At $85,373, the local median is 14.87% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be above the median
How Benton Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Benton median: $85,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $87,115 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.87% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Benton, AR earn a median of $85,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $87,115.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,373 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,243 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,495
2025 BLS Actual
$81,284
2026 Current Est.
$85,373
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,495 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,585 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,182 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,284 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,667 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,495 (2019) to $81,284 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,667 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,172 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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) | $61,345 – $71,597 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,597 – $85,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,373 – $93,166 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,166 – $109,332 |
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 Benton
In Benton, the job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists remains relatively stable, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. Despite this limited number, the cost of living index sits at 86.9, which suggests that wages for technologists may stretch further than in more expensive locations. Among the various employers in the region, hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed typically offer the most lucrative positions, often accompanied by incentives for weekend or night shifts, as well as call coverage at trauma facilities. The factors contributing to the salary spectrum include subspecialties, with cardiac MRI generally offering the highest rewards, followed by neuro and musculoskeletal imaging. Technologists seeking to maximize their pay in Benton should consider pursuing MRSO certification and explore opportunities with travel MRI agencies, which often provide higher compensation for contractual work, thus enhancing overall earning potential.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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 $81,284 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Benton 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 Benton 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