Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $99,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earns a median $99,390/year (≈ $47.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Louisville/Jefferson County's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $106,786 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% above the Kentucky state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Louisville/Jefferson County, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist can expect a median annual salary of $99,390 in 2026, positioning it slightly below the national median of $100,283. This competitive pay range spans from $80,400 at the tenth percentile to as much as $125,542 for those at the ninetieth percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflect the strong market demand for MRI specialists, particularly those trained in cardiac and neuro subspecialties. Technologists in these areas often command higher wages, driven by the complexity and specificity of techniques involved, enhancing their overall earning potential in the local healthcare economy.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,400 | $38.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,665 | $40.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,390 | $47.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,681 | $50.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,542 | $60.36 |
Median Salary Position
0.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Louisville/Jefferson County
In Louisville/Jefferson County, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,142 (2026 est.). At $99,390, the local median is 0.89% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Louisville/Jefferson County: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Louisville/Jefferson County Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Louisville/Jefferson County median: $99,390/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Louisville/Jefferson County Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,540 | +11.00% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -0.89% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $99,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.89% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 11.00% above the Kentucky state average of $89,540.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Louisville/Jefferson County has a cost of living 6.93% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY has a cost-of-living index of 93.074 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $99,390 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,786 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.44% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,550
2025 BLS Actual
$94,630
2026 Current Est.
$99,390
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,389 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisville/Jefferson County metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 32.3% from $71,550 (2019) to $94,630 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,839 (45.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville/Jefferson County 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) | $80,400 – $84,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,665 – $99,390 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,390 – $105,681 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,681 – $125,542 |
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 Louisville/Jefferson County
Job opportunities for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County are robust, with around 210 professionals currently employed across various settings. The cost of living in the area, measured by a cost-of-living index of 93.074, provides a favorable backdrop for salary retention, allowing for better take-home purchasing power relative to numerous other U.S. cities. Among employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest compensation, particularly for those engaging in trauma care, or working with established outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. Pay disparities largely arise from subspecialty distinctions, shift differentials, and additional stipends such as those for MRSO certification or on-call coverage. MRI technologists aiming to maximize their salaries should consider pursuing advanced certifications, exploring diverse job roles such as applications specialists, and being open to shifts that capitalize on demand during nights and weekends.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
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 $94,630 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Louisville/Jefferson County 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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