Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Gallup, NM: $88,015 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Gallup, NM earns a median $88,015/year (≈ $42.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $93,236 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gallup, New Mexico, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary averages $88,015 annually, positioning it noticeably below the national median of $100,283. The local salary range reflects the diversity of opportunities available, spanning from $70,009 at the 10th percentile to $111,030 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, indicate that MRI professionals in Gallup can expect competitive compensation despite the overall lower median compared to the national figure. This situation is likely influenced by the various structural choices in healthcare settings, such as hospitals versus outpatient chains, which affect demand and pay scales.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,009 | $33.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,154 | $37.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,015 | $42.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,534 | $46.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,030 | $53.38 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,021 (2026 est.). At $88,015, the local median is 12.23% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallup Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Gallup median: $88,015/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $94,640 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.23% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Gallup, NM earn a median of $88,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $94,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,015 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,236 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,430
2025 BLS Actual
$83,800
2026 Current Est.
$88,015
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,897 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,015 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,430 (2019) to $83,800 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,012 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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) | $70,009 – $78,154 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,154 – $88,015 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,015 – $97,534 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,534 – $111,030 |
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 Gallup
With only four magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Gallup, the job market is relatively small, yet stable. The cost of living, indexed at 94.4, suggests that while salaries may lag behind the national average, the purchasing power is still commendable in comparison to expenses. Local employers can vary widely in their compensation offers; those in hospital imaging departments typically provide more competitive wages than outpatient centers. Factors influencing the pay range include subspecialty certifications like cardiac MRI, shift differentials, and premiums associated with travel positions. For technologists looking to maximize their financial potential in Gallup, focusing on areas of specialization such as cardiac or mpMRI, seeking certifications like MRSO, and considering travel opportunities could significantly enhance their earnings in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Gallup, NM in 2026?
Is Gallup, NM a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Gallup?
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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 $83,800 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Gallup 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 Gallup 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