Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Meridian, MS: $81,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Meridian, MS earns a median $81,473/year (≈ $39.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $95,068 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Meridian, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $81,473. This figure situates Meridian below the national median of $100,283, reflecting a regional adjustment influenced by the local cost of living, which sits at a relatively low index of 85.7. The salary range for technologists in this region spans from $61,134 at the 10th percentile to $103,997 at the 90th percentile. Given the relatively small workforce in the area, with just seven employed MRI technologists, various factors including shift differentials and call coverage opportunities considerably contribute to the higher-end earnings within the market.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,134 | $29.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,050 | $33.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,473 | $39.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,887 | $42.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,997 | $49.99 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,863 (2026 est.). At $81,473, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Meridian median: $81,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $85,942 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -18.76% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Meridian, MS earn a median of $81,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $85,942.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $81,473 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,068 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,641
2025 BLS Actual
$77,571
2026 Current Est.
$81,473
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,641 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,068 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,571 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,641 (2019) to $77,571 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,571 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,930 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $61,134 – $70,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,050 – $81,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,473 – $88,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,887 – $103,997 |
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 Meridian
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Meridian illustrates solid opportunities despite a smaller local workforce. With a lower cost of living, the take-home purchasing power is comparatively better for residents. Employers in the area that typically offer the highest pay include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed. The variance in pay within the Meridian market is often driven by specific subspecialties, where cardiac MRI technologists tend to command higher wages than their neuro or general counterparts. Additionally, working night shifts or weekends, as well as being on-call at trauma centers, can significantly enhance earning potential. For those seeking to maximize income, targeting positions that require MRSO certification or exploring travel MRI tech opportunities could yield substantial benefits.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $77,571 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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