Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $90,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Owensboro, KY earns a median $90,285/year (≈ $43.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Owensboro's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $101,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Owensboro is projected to reach a median of $90,285, which is notably lower than the national median of $100,283. The salary range for MRI technologists in this city extends from $64,512 at the 10th percentile to as much as $117,422 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, showcasing a market where shift differentials and call coverage can significantly impact earnings. With a robust healthcare sector, Owensboro demonstrates a promising job market for MRI technologists, benefiting from both local hospitals and outpatient clinics that require imaging specialists.
About the Owensboro Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,512 | $31.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,482 | $36.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,285 | $43.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,972 | $47.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,422 | $56.45 |
Median Salary Position
9.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owensboro
In Owensboro, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,910 (2026 est.). At $90,285, the local median is 9.97% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Owensboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Owensboro Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Owensboro median: $90,285/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owensboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,568 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -9.97% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Owensboro, KY earn a median of $90,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.97% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% above the Kentucky state average of $89,568.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owensboro 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.
Owensboro, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $90,285 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,091
2025 BLS Actual
$85,961
2026 Current Est.
$90,285
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,091 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,822 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,826 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owensboro metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $66,091 (2019) to $85,961 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,826 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,735 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owensboro 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) | $64,512 – $75,482 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,482 – $90,285 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,285 – $98,972 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,972 – $117,422 |
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 Owensboro
In Owensboro, there are currently 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed, indicating a niche but stable local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, living expenses in this area are below the national average, which can enhance the take-home purchasing power of MRI professionals. Major employers, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities, tend to offer competitive wages, particularly for those with specialization in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI or neuro imaging. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to factors such as subspecialty expertise, shift differentials—which are especially lucrative for those covering nights and weekends—and call coverage incentives. For MRI technologists looking to maximize their pay in Owensboro, pursuing MRSO certification and considering roles with mobile MRI providers or orthopedic practices with on-site imaging could prove beneficial.
More salary data for Owensboro, 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 $85,961 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Owensboro 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 Owensboro 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