Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Sterling Heights, MI: $95,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Sterling Heights, MI earns a median $95,421/year (≈ $45.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Sterling Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $102,383 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Sterling Heights is projected to reach a median of $95,421, which is slightly below the national average of $100,283. With a salary range from $65,719 at the lower end to $134,853 at the top, professional opportunities are robust yet vary greatly depending on the structural choice of employment. Technologists may find differing compensation levels if they work in hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers such as RadNet or SimonMed, or travel MRI positions. As the demand for specialized imaging continues to rise, there are ample chances for professionals to carve out a niche in Sterling Heights’s job market, characterized by a mix of local and regional healthcare providers.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,719 | $31.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,137 | $37.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,421 | $45.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,774 | $50.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,853 | $64.84 |
Median Salary Position
4.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling Heights
In Sterling Heights, MI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,134 (2026 est.). At $95,421, the local median is 4.85% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Heights Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Sterling Heights median: $95,421/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $93,458 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -4.85% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $95,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $93,458.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $95,421 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,383 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,851
2025 BLS Actual
$90,851
2026 Current Est.
$95,421
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,219 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,220 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling Heights metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $69,851 (2019) to $90,851 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,220 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,369 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling Heights 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) | $65,719 – $78,137 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,137 – $95,421 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,421 – $104,774 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,774 – $134,853 |
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 Sterling Heights
Examining the local job market, there are currently 29 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Sterling Heights, and the area's cost of living index stands at 93.2, which indicates favorable conditions for take-home pay. This relatively low cost of living allows technologists to stretch their salaries further compared to other markets. When considering pay rates, hospital imaging departments generally offer competitive salaries, often resulting in higher pay compared to outpatient centers or mobile MRI companies. Factors influencing the salary spread include subspecialties, such as cardiac MRI, that tend to command premium compensation, and shift differentials that can significantly boost earnings. For MRI professionals in Sterling Heights, pursuing further certifications—from the ARRT(MR) to MRSO—can enhance job prospects and lead to better pay. Networking within specialized sectors or seeking positions in high-demand facilities will also be key strategies for maximizing income in the area.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
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 $90,851 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights 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