Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Bristol, CT: $107,342 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Bristol, CT earns a median $107,342/year (≈ $51.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $99,483 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bristol, Connecticut, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary is projected to hit a median of $107,342 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge against the national figure of $100,283. This substantial median is driven by factors such as shift differentials and call coverage, which can significantly inflate compensation for those in higher-demand roles. The overall salary range for MRI technologists in Bristol spans from $73,897 at the 10th percentile to $146,562 for those at the 90th percentile, showcasing the variability in earnings based on experience, specialty, and the nature of the employment setting. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. With the demand for MRI services continuing to grow, prospects for technologists in Bristol appear optimistic.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,897 | $35.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,081 | $45.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,342 | $51.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,173 | $58.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,562 | $70.46 |
Median Salary Position
7.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,665 (2026 est.). At $107,342, the local median is 7.04% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $107,342/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $108,207 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +7.04% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol, CT earn a median of $107,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $108,207.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,342 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,483 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,577
2025 BLS Actual
$102,201
2026 Current Est.
$107,342
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,577 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,948 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,806 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,635 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,342 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $78,577 (2019) to $102,201 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,164 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $73,897 – $94,081 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,081 – $107,342 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,342 – $122,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,173 – $146,562 |
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 Bristol
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists shows stability, with 13 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index in Bristol stands at 107.9, indicating that while salaries are attractive, purchasing power needs to be carefully managed. Compensation varies widely among employers, with hospital imaging departments generally offering more lucrative opportunities compared to outpatient MRI centers like RadNet or SimonMed. Factors affecting the pay differential include subspecialties, as those skilled in cardiac MRI often command higher wages than their neuro and MSK counterparts. Shift differentials, particularly for nights and weekends, also contribute to increased earnings, alongside call coverage at trauma centers and travel positions. For technologists in Bristol, acquiring MRSO certification and exploring opportunities with mobile MRI companies or orthopedic practices can help maximize earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
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 $102,201 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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