Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Columbus, GA: $93,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Columbus, GA earns a median $93,543/year (≈ $44.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $100,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Columbus, Georgia is projected to reach a median of $93,543, reflecting a competitive market despite being slightly below the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this role extends from $65,321 at the 10th percentile to $129,786 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential for those in the field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, indicate that shifts, call coverage, and the demand for specialized subspecialties like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI contribute to this variance in pay. With 29 technologists currently employed in Columbus, the job market offers a mix of opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking advancement in their careers.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,321 | $31.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,600 | $37.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,543 | $44.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,665 | $52.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,786 | $62.40 |
Median Salary Position
6.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, GA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,465 (2026 est.). At $93,543, the local median is 6.72% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $93,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $92,708 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -6.72% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus, GA earn a median of $93,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.72% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $92,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $93,543 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,476 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,020
2025 BLS Actual
$89,063
2026 Current Est.
$93,543
2019–2027 Growth
+48.8%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,248 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 34.9% from $66,020 (2019) to $89,063 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,248 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,228 (48.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $65,321 – $77,600 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,600 – $93,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,543 – $108,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,665 – $129,786 |
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 Columbus
The local job market dynamics play a significant role in shaping the magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Columbus, GA. With a cost-of-living index of 93.1, employees can enjoy a favorable take-home purchasing power compared to many national averages. Employers offering the highest salaries in the area include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI imaging centers, as well as mobile MRI companies and orthopedic practices with on-site MRI capabilities. The pay differential within this market is driven by factors such as subspecialty expertise, shift differentials particularly for nights and weekends, and call coverage in trauma centers. Additionally, pursuing MRSO certification and exploring opportunities with travel MRI companies can provide additional income streams. For technologists looking to maximize their salary, strategically seeking roles that offer such specialized skills and flexibility can be advantageous in Columbus's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
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 $89,063 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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