Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Tupelo, MS: $85,108 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Tupelo, MS earns a median $85,108/year (≈ $40.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $99,309 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The 2026 median annual magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Tupelo, Mississippi, is projected to reach $85,108, a figure that reflects the unique dynamics of the local healthcare market. This salary is notably lower than the national median of $100,283, highlighting a gap of approximately 15.13%. For professionals in this field, salaries range from $60,492 at the lower end (P10) to $107,791 at the higher end (P90). These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, indicating the variances in salaries based on subspecializations such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which command premiums in compensation. As such, the job market for MRI technologists in Tupelo shows favorable prospects for those specializing in high-demand areas.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,492 | $29.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,804 | $36.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,108 | $40.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,145 | $44.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,791 | $51.82 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,299 (2026 est.). At $85,108, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $100,283.
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How Tupelo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $85,108/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $85,968 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.13% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $85,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $85,968.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo 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.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,108 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,309 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,302
2025 BLS Actual
$81,032
2026 Current Est.
$85,108
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,971 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,618 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,108 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,389 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,302 (2019) to $81,032 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,087 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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) | $60,492 – $75,804 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,804 – $85,108 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,108 – $92,145 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,145 – $107,791 |
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 Tupelo
Employers in Tupelo typically include hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, as well as orthopedic surgery practices with on-site MRI capabilities. With only seven magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed locally, the job market remains competitive yet supportive. The cost of living index in Tupelo stands at 85.7, which suggests that wages here go further than they might in higher-cost regions, enhancing take-home purchasing power. Factors leading to wage disparities include subspecialty expertise, with cardiac MRI and specific certifications like MRSO often linked to higher pay. Technologists can also boost their earnings through shift differentials for nights and weekends or by engaging in travel opportunities that offer a premium. To maximize their pay, MRI technologists in Tupelo should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles that offer specialized imaging techniques.
More salary data for Tupelo, MS:
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 $81,032 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Tupelo 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 Tupelo 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