Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in South Valley, NM: $91,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in South Valley, NM earns a median $91,676/year (≈ $44.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in South Valley's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $97,114 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, NM, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $91,676 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position relative to national averages. The salary range for this profession spans from $64,507 at the 10th percentile to $120,763 at the 90th percentile. With data estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, the compensation in South Valley is slightly below the national median of $100,283, indicating a unique local market. Furthermore, the increasing demand for specialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging provides opportunities for higher-income potential, particularly as healthcare facilities pivot to address these critical areas of patient care in this region.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,507 | $31.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,172 | $39.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,676 | $44.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,367 | $49.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,763 | $58.06 |
Median Salary Position
8.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Valley
In South Valley, NM, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,256 (2026 est.). At $91,676, the local median is 8.58% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Valley Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
South Valley median: $91,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $94,707 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -8.58% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Valley, NM earn a median of $91,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $94,707.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Valley 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.
South Valley, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $91,676 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,114 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,110
2025 BLS Actual
$87,286
2026 Current Est.
$91,676
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,554 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,286 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,288 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Valley metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $67,110 (2019) to $87,286 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,288 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,178 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Valley 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) | $64,507 – $81,172 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,172 – $91,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,676 – $102,367 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,367 – $120,763 |
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 South Valley
Analyzing the job market, only six magnetic resonance imaging technologists are currently employed in South Valley, indicating a niche demand that can impact salary stability and opportunities for advancement. With a cost of living index at 94.4, take-home pay effectively stretches further compared to many other areas. Employers such as local hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities typically provide the most substantial salaries, often incentivizing subspecialty training in cardiac or neuro imaging, as these skills command higher premiums in pay. Additionally, shift differentials and on-call opportunities contribute significantly to overall compensation. To maximize pay in the South Valley market, technologists should consider pursuing further specialization, engaging with mobile MRI technology companies, or seeking travel assignment contracts that often provide higher remuneration rates.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in South Valley, NM in 2026?
Is South Valley, NM a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in South Valley?
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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 $87,286 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the South Valley 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 South Valley 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