Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Fayetteville, AR: $85,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Fayetteville, AR earns a median $85,200/year (≈ $40.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Fayetteville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.4), that paycheck buys what $93,265 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source

Highly skilled magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fayetteville, Arkansas, can anticipate a median annual salary of $85,200 in 2026, significantly shaped by factors like shift differentials and call coverage, which can push compensation towards the higher end of the spectrum. The salary range is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $63,512 and top earners exceeding $109,515, reflecting a diversity in roles and responsibilities across the local job market. These figures are grounded in projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and offer a clear picture of what professionals in this field can expect in terms of remuneration. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare industry and the rising demand for specialized MRI services, the compensation landscape in Fayetteville is likely to remain steady as local facilities seek to attract talent.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,512 | $30.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,976 | $39.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,200 | $40.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,144 | $48.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,515 | $52.65 |
Median Salary Position
15.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, AR, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,003 (2026 est.). At $85,200, the local median is 15.04% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Fayetteville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fayetteville Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Fayetteville median: $85,200/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fayetteville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $87,117 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.04% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $85,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.04% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the Arkansas state average of $87,117.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fayetteville has a cost of living 8.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fayetteville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 91.353 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,200 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,265 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.47% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,220
2025 BLS Actual
$81,120
2026 Current Est.
$85,200
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,486 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fayetteville metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 24.4% from $65,220 (2019) to $81,120 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,486 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,266 (37.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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) | $63,512 – $81,976 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,976 – $85,200 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,200 – $101,144 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,144 – $109,515 |
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 Fayetteville
With around 60 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Fayetteville, the local job market demonstrates a solid demand for skilled radiologic technologists. The cost of living index stands at 91.353, indicating that the purchasing power for technologists is relatively strong in this area, even as salaries are about 15% lower than the national median of $100,283. Employers such as hospital imaging departments or outpatient centers like RadNet often offer the most competitive pay, particularly when searching for technologists with specialized skills, such as cardiac MRI or neuro imaging. Factors that contribute to pay variability include subspecialty focus, shift differentials for nights and weekends, call coverage at trauma centers, and opportunities for additional income through MRSO certifications or applications specialist roles. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing subspecialty training, remaining flexible with work hours, and seeking positions in high-demand facilities can prove beneficial in enhancing the magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Fayetteville, AR.
More salary data for Fayetteville, 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 $81,120 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Fayetteville 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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