Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Elk River, MN: $96,777 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elk River, MN earns a median $96,777/year (≈ $46.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $98,251 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elk River is projected to be $96,777, which is slightly below the national median of $100,283. This local pay falls within a spectrum that ranges from $75,031 at the lower end (P10) to $129,915 at the higher end (P90), indicating a significant variance based on factors such as experience, specializations, and the type of employer. These estimates utilize data derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, providing insight into the local compensation landscape. Elk River's job market offers opportunities primarily through hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and some travel assignments, with demand likely influenced by the growing importance of specialties like cardiac and prostate mpMRI.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,031 | $36.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,916 | $40.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,777 | $46.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,533 | $49.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,915 | $62.46 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,884 (2026 est.). At $96,777, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Elk River median: $96,777/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $98,752 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -3.50% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elk River, MN earn a median of $96,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $98,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $96,777 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,251 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,844
2025 BLS Actual
$92,142
2026 Current Est.
$96,777
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,924 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,142 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,777 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,645 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $70,844 (2019) to $92,142 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,645 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,801 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $75,031 – $84,916 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,916 – $96,777 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,777 – $103,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,533 – $129,915 |
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 Elk River
The job market strength in Elk River remains moderate, with only 4 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index for Elk River is reported at 98.5, suggesting that residents enjoy a slightly lower cost environment compared to the national average, which could enhance their take-home pay. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer more competitive salaries than outpatient imaging chains or mobile MRI companies. Factors driving the salary spectrum include subspecialization, with cardiac MRI positions commanding higher pay, as well as differentials for night and weekend shifts. For those in Elk River seeking to maximize their earning potential, it would be beneficial to pursue additional certifications such as MRSO or consider cross-training in subspecialties that leverage advanced MRI technologies, making one more marketable in a rapidly evolving field.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
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 $92,142 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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