Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Starkville, MS: $83,573 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Starkville, MS earns a median $83,573/year (≈ $40.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Starkville's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $97,518 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Starkville, Mississippi, the projected earnings for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist indicate a median annual salary of $83,573 for 2026. This figure positions Starkville's technologists significantly below the national median of $100,283, reflecting a variance of about 16.66%. The salary spectrum ranges from $59,292 at the tenth percentile to $105,615 at the ninetieth percentile, offering a glimpse into the diverse pay scales that may reflect employer type or specialized skills. Local employment opportunities may include positions within major hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers, and mobile imaging services, which could influence compensation based on the type of facility and the demand for certain specialties.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,292 | $28.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,422 | $35.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,573 | $40.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,531 | $43.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,615 | $50.77 |
Median Salary Position
16.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Starkville
In Starkville, MS, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,323 (2026 est.). At $83,573, the local median is 16.66% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Starkville: You'd be above the median
How Starkville Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Starkville median: $83,573/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Starkville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $85,981 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -16.66% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Starkville, MS earn a median of $83,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $85,981.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Starkville 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.
Starkville, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $83,573 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,518 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,178
2025 BLS Actual
$79,571
2026 Current Est.
$83,573
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,245 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,573 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,777 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Starkville metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $61,178 (2019) to $79,571 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,777 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,599 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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) | $59,292 – $74,422 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,422 – $83,573 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,573 – $90,531 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,531 – $105,615 |
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 Starkville
Analyzing the job market in Starkville reveals that only five magnetic resonance imaging technologists are currently employed, underscoring a competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the purchasing power for these professionals is enhanced, meaning their salaries might stretch further in this area compared to regions with higher living costs. Employers that offer the best pay often include hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers that focus on high-demand specialties, such as cardiac MRI. Pay disparities are driven by factors like subspecialization, shift differentials, and certifications such as MRSO, which can confer additional stipends or bonuses. MRI technologists looking to maximize their pay in Starkville may focus on gaining skills in sought-after areas like cardiac or neuro MRI, while seeking opportunities at facilities known for competitive compensation and employee incentives.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Starkville, MS in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Starkville?
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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 $79,571 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Starkville 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 Starkville 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