Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Paducah, KY: $85,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Paducah, KY earns a median $85,118/year (≈ $40.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Paducah's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $95,317 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paducah, Kentucky, magnetic resonance imaging technologists are projected to see a median annual salary of $85,118 in 2026, which reflects a significant and competitive pay scale tailored to this growing field. The salary range spans from $64,318 at the lower end (P10) to $112,296 at the high end (P90), providing ample opportunity for well-qualified candidates, especially those specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI and neuroimaging. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parity underscore the value of these specialists in Paducah’s healthcare landscape, suggesting that emerging subspecialties could lead to even more lucrative salary prospects in the future.
About the Paducah Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,318 | $30.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,450 | $35.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,118 | $40.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,893 | $45.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,296 | $53.99 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paducah
In Paducah, KY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,978 (2026 est.). At $85,118, the local median is 15.12% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paducah: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paducah Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Paducah median: $85,118/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paducah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $89,598 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.12% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Paducah, KY earn a median of $85,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.00% below the Kentucky state average of $89,598.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paducah 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.
Paducah, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,118 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,317 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,309
2025 BLS Actual
$81,042
2026 Current Est.
$85,118
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,396 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,042 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,400 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paducah metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,309 (2019) to $81,042 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,400 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,091 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paducah 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) | $64,318 – $73,450 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,450 – $85,118 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,118 – $94,893 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,893 – $112,296 |
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 Paducah
Employment trends reveal that only six magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently work in Paducah, indicating a tight-knit market with potential for growth. The cost of living index stands at 89.3, suggesting that while salaries may be below the national median, the purchasing power remains reasonable for residents. Among local employers, hospitals tend to offer the most competitive compensation compared to outpatient centers and mobile MRI companies. Factors influencing the salary distribution include subspecialty certifications, with cardiac MRI roles typically commanding higher wages, shift differentials for weekend or night shifts, and additional compensation for call coverage at trauma centers. To maximize pay in this market, professionals should consider pursuing certifications such as MRSO and seek positions that offer travel incentives, as these can add considerable value to their overall compensation packages in Paducah, KY.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Paducah, KY in 2026?
Is Paducah, KY a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Paducah?
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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 $81,042 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Paducah 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 Paducah 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