Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Covington, KY: $88,364 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Covington, KY earns a median $88,364/year (≈ $42.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Covington's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $98,952 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, Kentucky, the projected annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 stands at $88,364, which reflects a notable approximate 11.89% lower than the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this role varies from $64,928 at the 10th percentile to $111,065 at the 90th percentile, indicating that those with specialized skills and flexible availability, particularly during evenings and weekends, may command higher wages. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost dynamics. Given the competitive nature of the MRI job market, Covington's technologists looking to increase their earning potential should consider the demand for various subspecialties contributing to the pay scale within the local landscape.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,928 | $31.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,890 | $36.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,364 | $42.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,419 | $45.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,065 | $53.40 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Covington
In Covington, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,137 (2026 est.). At $88,364, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Covington: You'd be above the median
How Covington Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Covington median: $88,364/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Covington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,528 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.89% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Covington, KY earn a median of $88,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% below the Kentucky state average of $89,528.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Covington 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.
Covington, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,364 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,952 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,685
2025 BLS Actual
$84,132
2026 Current Est.
$88,364
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,364 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,809 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Covington metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,685 (2019) to $84,132 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,809 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,124 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Covington 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) | $64,928 – $74,890 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,890 – $88,364 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,364 – $95,419 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,419 – $111,065 |
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 Covington
The local job market employs nine magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which reflects a relatively modest pool but could indicate opportunities for growth given the 5.03% projected annual increase in salaries. Covington's cost of living index sits at 89.3, suggesting a significantly lower living expense compared to the national average, allowing technologists in this market to enjoy relatively greater purchasing power. Hospitals and outpatient imaging centers typically offer higher compensation, especially those that provide advanced services like cardiac MRI and neurological imaging. To optimize their earnings, technologists should consider acquiring additional certifications, such as MRSO, which may qualify them for specialist roles and higher pay. Establishing a flexible work schedule that includes evenings and weekends, or seeking travel assignments, can further enhance income, capitalizing on the current high demand for skilled professionals in this field.
More salary data for Covington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $84,132 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Covington 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 Covington 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