Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Louisville, KY: $97,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Louisville, KY earns a median $97,634/year (≈ $46.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Louisville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $109,333 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.0% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville, KY, can expect a median salary of $97,634 in 2026, reflecting the competitive nature of this specialty in the region. Salaries in this field range from $65,024 at the 10th percentile to as much as $134,986 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for local market conditions and cost-of-living factors. Notably, factors such as shift differentials and call coverage can significantly impact earnings, particularly for technologists working in high-demand settings like trauma centers. The ongoing growth of the profession, projected at 5.03% annually, indicates a robust demand for skilled MRI technologists in Louisville.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,024 | $31.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,643 | $37.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,634 | $46.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,872 | $53.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,986 | $64.90 |
Median Salary Position
2.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Louisville
In Louisville, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,962 (2026 est.). At $97,634, the local median is 2.64% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Louisville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Louisville Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Louisville median: $97,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Louisville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,572 | +9.00% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -2.64% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Louisville, KY earn a median of $97,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $89,572.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Louisville 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.
Louisville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $97,634 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,333 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,471
2025 BLS Actual
$92,958
2026 Current Est.
$97,634
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,471 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,717 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,317 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,975 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,545 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisville metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $71,471 (2019) to $92,958 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,545 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,074 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville 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) | $65,024 – $78,643 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,643 – $97,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,634 – $110,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,872 – $134,986 |
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
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is dynamic, with approximately 132 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost-of-living index in Louisville is 89.3, which is below the national average, the real purchasing power of salaries is enhanced for those working in this field. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities tend to offer the most competitive compensation. The variation in pay is influenced by subspecialties—those certified in cardiac MRI often command higher rates due to the specialty’s growth and complexity. Moreover, opportunities for maximizing income are abundant; pursuing certifications like MRSO can lead to salary increments, while taking on roles that include night shifts or on-call responsibilities typically results in additional pay. For technologists aiming to enhance their earnings, focusing on these strategies can lead to greater financial rewards in the vibrant Louisville market.
More salary data for Louisville, 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 $92,958 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Louisville 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 Louisville 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