Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in St. Petersburg, FL: $86,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in St. Petersburg, FL earns a median $86,380/year (≈ $41.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in St. Petersburg's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $85,694 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $86,380 in 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in St. Petersburg is competitive yet slightly lower than the national median of $100,283. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $62,237 and experienced professionals earning up to $122,721. These figures are reflective of local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. The higher end of this salary spectrum is often influenced by factors such as shift differentials and on-call responsibilities, making St. Petersburg an attractive market for MRI technologists who can navigate these opportunities effectively.
About the St. Petersburg Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,237 | $29.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,131 | $35.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,380 | $41.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,444 | $46.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,721 | $59.01 |
Median Salary Position
13.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, FL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,484 (2026 est.). At $86,380, the local median is 13.86% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Petersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Petersburg Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
St. Petersburg median: $86,380/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Petersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $87,784 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.86% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $86,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.60% below the Florida state average of $87,784.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Petersburg has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. Petersburg, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,380 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,694 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,233
2025 BLS Actual
$82,243
2026 Current Est.
$86,380
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,233 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,335 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,635 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,131 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,415 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,243 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,725 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Petersburg metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,233 (2019) to $82,243 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,725 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,492 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Petersburg 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) | $62,237 – $73,131 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,131 – $86,380 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,380 – $96,444 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,444 – $122,721 |
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 St. Petersburg
In 2026, there are 42 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in St. Petersburg, Florida, indicating a relatively stable local job market. The cost of living index at 100.8 suggests that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, technologists can expect to maintain reasonable purchasing power. Some of the highest-paying employers include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, as well as mobile MRI companies. To maximize their pay, MRI technologists should focus on advancing their skills in subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and neuroimaging, which are in high demand. Additionally, those willing to take on shifts during nights and weekends or participate in call coverage can leverage premium pay rates. Pursuing certifications such as MRSO or expanding roles in applications can further enhance earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in St. Petersburg, FL in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in St. Petersburg?
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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 $82,243 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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