Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Van Buren, AR: $80,891 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Van Buren, AR earns a median $80,891/year (≈ $38.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Van Buren's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $93,085 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Van Buren, AR, for 2026 stands at $80,891, a figure that reflects a significant demand for this specialty in the healthcare sector. The salary range stretches from $64,122 at the lower end (10th percentile) to an impressive $104,574 (90th percentile), highlighting the potential for strong earning opportunities, especially for those willing to cover shifts or take on call responsibilities. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, indicating a strategic alignment between compensation and local living costs. For MRI technologists in Van Buren, the competitive salary package can be attributed to the essential role they play in imaging services, particularly within community hospitals and specialized medical practices.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,122 | $30.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,667 | $34.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,891 | $38.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,489 | $43.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,574 | $50.28 |
Median Salary Position
19.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Van Buren
In Van Buren, AR, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,452 (2026 est.). At $80,891, the local median is 19.34% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Van Buren: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Van Buren Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Van Buren median: $80,891/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Van Buren Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $87,167 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -19.34% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $80,891 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.34% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $87,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Van Buren 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.
Van Buren, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $80,891 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,085 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,215
2025 BLS Actual
$77,017
2026 Current Est.
$80,891
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,247 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,401 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,238 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,891 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Van Buren metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,215 (2019) to $77,017 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,745 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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) | $64,122 – $71,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,667 – $80,891 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,891 – $89,489 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,489 – $104,574 |
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 Van Buren
In the local job market, there are currently five magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Van Buren, AR. The area's cost of living index, at 86.9, suggests that salaries may stretch further in this region compared to other parts of the country, enhancing overall purchasing power. Magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Van Buren can be competitive, especially with employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed. Factors influencing the variation in salaries include subspecialty expertise, with cardiovascular imaging often earning top pay, and additional earning potentials through shift differentials or call coverage agreements. To maximize compensation, specialists should consider cross-training in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI or mpMRI and pursuing certifications like MRSO, which can lead to greater financial rewards in this evolving field.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Van Buren, AR in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Van Buren?
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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 $77,017 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Van Buren 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 Van Buren 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