Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cortland, NY: $97,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Cortland, NY earns a median $97,145/year (≈ $46.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $83,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Cortland, NY, is projected to reach a median of $97,145. This annual compensation reflects the local market's competitive nature, driven in part by factors such as shift differentials and call coverage that can significantly enhance top earnings. The salary range for MRI technologists in the area spans from $75,696 at the lower end (P10) to $120,810 at the higher end (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. With local demand for specialists in MRI technology steadily rising, opportunities for lucrative positions are becoming increasingly accessible, particularly in facilities that offer advanced imaging services.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,696 | $36.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,116 | $40.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,145 | $46.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,576 | $51.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,810 | $58.08 |
Median Salary Position
3.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,114 (2026 est.). At $97,145, the local median is 3.13% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cortland Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Cortland median: $97,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $105,478 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -3.13% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cortland, NY earn a median of $97,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $105,478.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,145 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $83,818 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,113
2025 BLS Actual
$92,493
2026 Current Est.
$97,145
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,584 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,032 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $71,113 (2019) to $92,493 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,032 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,919 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland 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) | $75,696 – $85,116 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,116 – $97,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,145 – $106,576 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,576 – $120,810 |
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 Cortland
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently four magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Cortland. The cost-of-living index sits at 115.9, meaning that while salaries may be lower than the national median, the purchasing power for residents is comparably diminished. Top employers contributing to competitive salaries in Cortland include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI imaging centers, as well as orthopedic practices featuring on-site MRI technology. The variations in pay can be attributed to subspecialty proficiency, such as cardiac MRI, the demand for call coverage at trauma centers, and additional stipends for certifications like MRSO. To maximize their pay, MRI technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, aligning with high-demand subspecialties, and seeking positions that offer shift premiums or travel opportunities.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Cortland?
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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 $92,493 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Cortland 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 Cortland 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