Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Hot Springs, AR: $85,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hot Springs, AR earns a median $85,292/year (≈ $41.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Hot Springs's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $98,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hot Springs, Arkansas, can expect a median annual salary of $85,292, reflecting a competitive local pay compared to national earnings, which average $100,283. The salary range within this field varies from $61,152 at the 10th percentile to a robust $109,071 at the 90th percentile, indicating opportunities for both entry-level positions and seasoned professionals. These figures, grounded in estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, highlight the importance of shift differentials and call coverage which significantly impact compensation. In a small market like Hot Springs, where only six MRI technologists are employed, the dynamics of this job market suggest that specialized skills, especially in high-demand subspecialties such as cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, can further drive salary potential.
About the Hot Springs Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,152 | $29.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,429 | $34.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,292 | $41.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,981 | $44.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,071 | $52.44 |
Median Salary Position
14.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hot Springs
In Hot Springs, AR, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,919 (2026 est.). At $85,292, the local median is 14.95% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hot Springs: You'd be above the median
How Hot Springs Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Hot Springs median: $85,292/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hot Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $87,121 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.95% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $85,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $87,121.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hot Springs 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.
Hot Springs, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,292 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,150 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,436
2025 BLS Actual
$81,207
2026 Current Est.
$85,292
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,436 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,525 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,118 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,207 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,582 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hot Springs metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,436 (2019) to $81,207 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,582 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,146 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hot Springs 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) | $61,152 – $71,429 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,429 – $85,292 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,292 – $92,981 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,981 – $109,071 |
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 Hot Springs
The cost of living index in Hot Springs stands at 86.9, suggesting that while salaries may lag behind national averages, purchasing power remains relatively favorable. Local healthcare facilities such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers, and mobile MRI services frequently offer competitive pay, though the upper end of the salary spectrum often comes from trauma centers or specialized orthopedic practices. Various factors contribute to the variance in pay within this area, including subspecialty focus, shift work, and additional certifications like MRSO, which can enhance earning potential. For aspiring or current technologists looking to elevate their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Hot Springs, strategies such as seeking call coverage opportunities, pursuing advanced certifications through ASRT or ARRT(MR), and remaining flexible with shift preferences can lead to improved compensation.
More salary data for Hot Springs, 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 $81,207 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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