Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Elizabethtown, KY: $87,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elizabethtown, KY earns a median $87,516/year (≈ $42.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Elizabethtown's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $98,002 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elizabethtown, KY, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $87,516. This reflects the increasing demand for specialized fields within the profession, particularly cardiac MRI, which can significantly enhance compensation opportunities. The salary range for technologists in this area spans from $62,805 at the 10th percentile to $116,831 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data, reveal how the unique regional factors and subspecialty premiums impact earnings. As the demand for advanced imaging technologies grows, the Elizabethtown job market is responding, making it a competitive place for MRI professionals.
About the Elizabethtown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,805 | $30.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,130 | $35.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,516 | $42.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,428 | $44.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,831 | $56.17 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabethtown
In Elizabethtown, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,026 (2026 est.). At $87,516, the local median is 12.73% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Elizabethtown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabethtown Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Elizabethtown median: $87,516/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabethtown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,577 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.73% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elizabethtown, KY earn a median of $87,516 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.30% below the Kentucky state average of $89,577.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabethtown 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.
Elizabethtown, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $87,516 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,002 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,065
2025 BLS Actual
$83,325
2026 Current Est.
$87,516
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elizabethtown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,065 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,834 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabethtown metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,065 (2019) to $83,325 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,853 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabethtown 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) | $62,805 – $73,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,130 – $87,516 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,516 – $93,428 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,428 – $116,831 |
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 Elizabethtown
Job market conditions in Elizabethtown show a modest local pool, with only five employed magnetic resonance imaging technologists. The cost of living in the area is indexed at 89.3, indicating that while salaries are slightly lower than national averages, the purchasing power remains reasonable, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments and specialized orthopedic practices with on-site MRI equipment tend to offer the highest wages, while travel MRI tech agencies also provide lucrative opportunities owing to their premium pay packages. The spread between entry-level and top-tier salaries is driven by factors such as subspecialty expertise, shift differentials, and call coverage responsibilities. To maximize pay in Elizabethtown, aspiring professionals may consider pursuing MRSO certification and exploring advanced subspecialty training in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI, enhancing their qualifications and competitiveness in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Elizabethtown, 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 $83,325 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown 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