Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Rochester, NY: $85,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Rochester, NY earns a median $85,263/year (≈ $40.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.0), that paycheck buys what $87,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.2% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Rochester, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $85,263 in 2026, reflecting the important role shift differentials and call coverage play in enhancing top-end compensation. Salaries in this field span from $77,649 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $103,265 for those in the top 10% of earners. These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting both the steady demand for skilled MRI technologists and the competitive nature of the field. The job market in Rochester shows promising opportunities, especially for those willing to work in specialty settings or offer advanced imaging services.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,649 | $37.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,129 | $40.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,263 | $40.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,974 | $49.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,265 | $49.65 |
Median Salary Position
14.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,616 (2026 est.). At $85,263, the local median is 14.98% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Rochester median: $85,263/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $105,524 | -19.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.98% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Rochester, NY earn a median of $85,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 19.20% below the New York state average of $105,524.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 2.97% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NY has a cost-of-living index of 97.035 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,263 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $87,868 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,180
2025 BLS Actual
$81,180
2026 Current Est.
$85,263
2019–2027 Growth
+29.4%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,552 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 17.3% from $69,180 (2019) to $81,180 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,552 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,372 (29.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $77,649 – $84,129 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,129 – $85,263 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,263 – $101,974 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,974 – $103,265 |
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 Rochester
Currently, there are about 250 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed throughout the Rochester area, making it a robust market compared to the national scene. The cost of living index is relatively moderate at 97.035, which allows for better purchasing power despite salaries running below the national average. Key local employers include hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI companies, which tend to pay the highest. The disparity in salaries can be significant, influenced by subspecialty proficiency—like cardiac MRI—and factors such as shift work, weekend hours, and call availability at trauma centers. To maximize pay in Rochester's market, technologists should pursue additional certifications like MRSO, remain adept in high-demand specialties, and consider shifts that provide premium rates to enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Rochester, NY in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Rochester?
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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 $81,180 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Rochester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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