Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Baltimore, MD: $108,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Baltimore, MD earns a median $108,034/year (≈ $51.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $103,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Baltimore, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $108,034, demonstrating a competitive edge over the national median of $100,283. The local salary range spans from $90,504 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $125,595 at the top (90th percentile), reflecting the various factors influencing compensation in this specialty. In particular, shift differentials, call coverage, and the demand for skilled technologists significantly impact the upper salary levels found in the Baltimore market. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, indicative of the robust job opportunities available in the area, particularly in major healthcare facilities where advanced expertise, like cardiac MRI, is increasingly in demand.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,504 | $43.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,965 | $48.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,034 | $51.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,096 | $56.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,595 | $60.38 |
Median Salary Position
7.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,091 (2026 est.). At $108,034, the local median is 7.73% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be above the median
How Baltimore Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $108,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $109,568 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +7.73% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $108,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.73% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the Maryland state average of $109,568.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,034 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,395 — a 4.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,900
2025 BLS Actual
$102,860
2026 Current Est.
$108,034
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,468 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 35.5% from $75,900 (2019) to $102,860 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,468 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,568 (49.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $90,504 – $100,965 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,965 – $108,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,034 – $118,096 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,096 – $125,595 |
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 Baltimore
The local job market features approximately 350 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, contributing to a supportive environment for both employment and negotiation. Given the cost-of-living index of 104.487, those working in Baltimore enjoy a slightly more expensive lifestyle, which plays a critical role in take-home purchasing power. Major employers, such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers like RadNet, often offer the most competitive pay. The spread between lower and higher salaries largely arises from subspecialty experience, particularly in cardiac or neuro MRI, as well as from various compensation incentives such as shift differentials or stipends for MRSO certification. For techs looking to maximize their earnings in Maryland, focusing on specialized training, considering travel positions, and negotiating for additional compensation during off-hours can lead to enhanced financial outcomes in this thriving field.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
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 $102,860 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Baltimore 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