Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Waterford, MI: $91,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Waterford, MI earns a median $91,207/year (≈ $43.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $97,862 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, Michigan, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in 2026 is $91,207, reflecting the area's competitive imaging landscape. The salary range spans from $67,704 at the lower end (P10) to $121,789 at the upper echelon (P90), showcasing variations largely influenced by subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which tend to command a premium. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which have been adjusted for regional cost dynamics. This competitive salary range positions Waterford's MRI professionals slightly below the national median of $100,283, signaling a strong local demand for skilled technologists, particularly those specializing in high-growth areas.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,704 | $32.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,153 | $37.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,207 | $43.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,883 | $48.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,789 | $58.55 |
Median Salary Position
9.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,085 (2026 est.). At $91,207, the local median is 9.05% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Waterford median: $91,207/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $93,450 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -9.05% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waterford, MI earn a median of $91,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $93,450.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford 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.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $91,207 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,862 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,766
2025 BLS Actual
$86,839
2026 Current Est.
$91,207
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,931 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,359 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,842 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,161 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,941 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $66,766 (2019) to $86,839 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,029 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $67,704 – $78,153 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,153 – $91,207 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,207 – $101,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,883 – $121,789 |
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 Waterford
Currently, Waterford is home to 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, reflecting a stable local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, professionals in this field may find their purchasing power favorable despite the slight salary lag compared to national averages. The highest-paying employers in the area include hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers such as RadNet and SimonMed, which cater to specialized imaging needs. Factors contributing to pay disparities include subspecialty certification—such as cardiac MRI—shift differentials for night and weekend work, and roles requiring on-call coverage at trauma centers. For those seeking to enhance their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Waterford, focusing on subspecialty training, pursuing MRSO certification, and considering opportunities in mobile MRI services or travel assignments can significantly boost compensation. This strategic approach can optimize earning potential amidst evolving market demands in the region.
More salary data for Waterford, 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 $86,839 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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