Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Laurel, MD: $104,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Laurel, MD earns a median $104,123/year (≈ $50.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $95,263 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Laurel, Maryland, is projected to be $104,123, significantly surpassing the national median of $100,283. The salary range for MRI technologists in this area extends from $78,582 at the 10th percentile to $136,997 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variance in experience and specialization. These figures are based on BLS state-level data and local cost adjustments, indicating a favorable compensation landscape compared to other regions. With a growing demand for skilled MRI professionals, particularly in hospital settings and specialized outpatient facilities, those in Laurel can expect competitive wages that mirror the rising trend in the healthcare sector.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,582 | $37.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,778 | $43.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,123 | $50.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,167 | $55.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,997 | $65.86 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,415 (2026 est.). At $104,123, the local median is 3.83% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Laurel median: $104,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $109,603 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +3.83% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Laurel, MD earn a median of $104,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $109,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,123 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,263 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,221
2025 BLS Actual
$99,136
2026 Current Est.
$104,123
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,221 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,136 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,360 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $76,221 (2019) to $99,136 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,360 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,139 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $78,582 – $89,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,778 – $104,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,123 – $116,167 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,167 – $136,997 |
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 Laurel
The local job market in Laurel currently employs six magnetic resonance imaging technologists, suggesting a tight-knit community where professionals can build strong networks. The cost of living in the area, represented by a CoL index of 109.3, impacts take-home purchases, meaning that while salaries are competitive, expectations of local expenses must also be considered. Employers that typically offer the highest pay include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers, as well as orthopedic practices with integrated imaging services. Various factors contribute to the pay spectrum; those with subspecialties such as cardiac MRI tend to earn more, as do technologists who work evening or weekend shifts. Travel MRI positions can also command higher pay due to the demands of mobility. For those looking to maximize their compensation in Laurel, pursuing certifications such as MRSO or expanding skills into emerging specialties like prostate mpMRI can enhance career prospects.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 $99,136 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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