Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Little Rock, AR: $83,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Little Rock, AR earns a median $83,856/year (≈ $40.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Little Rock's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $93,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Little Rock, Arkansas, the salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $83,856 in 2026, reflecting the specialized demand for MRI expertise, particularly in cardiac and neuro subspecialties that can command premium wages in this market. Technologists in the city can expect a salary range from $64,951 at the lower end to $102,478 for those at the higher end of the scale, which positions this occupation as competitive within the healthcare sector. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reveals that despite a strong local market for MRI technologists, the median salary in Little Rock is about 16.38% lower than the national average of $100,283, indicating geographical salary disparities that influence local job prospects.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,951 | $31.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,277 | $35.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,856 | $40.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,483 | $45.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,478 | $49.27 |
Median Salary Position
16.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
In Little Rock, AR, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,527 (2026 est.). At $83,856, the local median is 16.38% below the national median of $100,283.
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How Little Rock Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Little Rock median: $83,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $87,168 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -16.38% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Little Rock, AR earn a median of $83,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.38% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Arkansas state average of $87,168.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Rock has a cost of living 10.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 89.364 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $83,856 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,836 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,470
2025 BLS Actual
$79,840
2026 Current Est.
$83,856
2019–2027 Growth
+45.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,074 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Rock metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 32.0% from $60,470 (2019) to $79,840 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,074 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,604 (45.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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) | $64,951 – $74,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,277 – $83,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,856 – $95,483 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,483 – $102,478 |
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 Little Rock
With around 150 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Little Rock, the local job market maintains a steady demand for skilled professionals. The cost-of-living index, which stands at 89.364, suggests that although the salaries may be lower compared to national figures, the purchasing power for technologists can be favorable when living expenses are considered. Employers that tend to offer higher pay in the area include hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic surgery practices. The disparity in pay is often driven by subspecialty expertise—with cardiac MRI typically commanding the highest rates—shift differentials for nights and weekends, and the possibility of additional income from roles as applications specialists. For those in Little Rock looking to maximize their earning potential, gaining certifications such as MRSO, pursuing travel opportunities, and seeking out positions at facilities with higher case volumes may be strategic approaches.
More salary data for Little Rock, 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 $79,840 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Little Rock 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