Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Bowling Green, KY: $88,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Bowling Green, KY earns a median $88,760/year (≈ $42.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Bowling Green's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $99,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Bowling Green can expect to earn a median annual salary of $88,760, which reflects the local market's emphasis on specialized imaging skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties. This region offers a salary range that spans from $60,979 at the lower end to as high as $121,261 for those with advanced qualifications and experience. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price parity adjustments, putting Bowling Green's magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay above the state average but below the national median of $100,283. The growth pathway for this role appears promising, driven in part by increasing demand within healthcare settings that prioritize advanced imaging technology.
About the Bowling Green Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,979 | $29.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,701 | $37.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,760 | $42.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,794 | $48.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,261 | $58.30 |
Median Salary Position
11.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bowling Green
In Bowling Green, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,282 (2026 est.). At $88,760, the local median is 11.49% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bowling Green: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bowling Green Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Bowling Green median: $88,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bowling Green Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,566 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.49% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bowling Green, KY earn a median of $88,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $89,566.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bowling Green has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bowling Green, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,760 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,395 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$64,720
2025 BLS Actual
$84,509
2026 Current Est.
$88,760
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,887 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,118 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,224 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bowling Green metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.6% from $64,720 (2019) to $84,509 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,224 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,504 (44.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bowling Green 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) | $60,979 – $77,701 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,701 – $88,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,760 – $100,794 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,794 – $121,261 |
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 Bowling Green
Currently, Bowling Green employs approximately 13 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, indicating a competitive market, especially for those seeking roles in higher-paying facilities. The local cost-of-living index stands at 89.3, suggesting that residents enjoy relatively favorable purchasing power compared to national averages. Facilities such as local hospital imaging departments or orthopedic surgery practices often provide the best compensation packages, particularly for those willing to work nights, weekends, or take on call coverage at trauma centers. Subspecialty certifications like cardiac MRI can significantly enhance earning potential, while roles at travel MRI agencies often come with additional financial incentives. To maximize salary in Bowling Green, technologists should consider pursuing certifications and striving for positions in specialized imaging centers where demand remains high.
More salary data for Bowling Green, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bowling Green, KY in 2026?
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Bowling Green?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Bowling Green?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Bowling Green?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $84,509 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green 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