Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cornelius, NC: $86,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Cornelius, NC earns a median $86,377/year (≈ $41.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Cornelius's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $92,283 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cornelius, North Carolina, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $86,377 in 2026, markedly lower than the national median of $100,283, which signifies a competitive but constrained local market. The salary range spans from $67,640 at the 10th percentile to $108,795 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various levels of experience and specialization. This figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. The increasing demand for specialized skills in areas like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging is enhancing opportunities in the region, driving up potential earnings for those with advanced qualifications. Employers in Cornelius are likely to prioritize hiring well-trained MRI technologists with credentials such as ARRT(R)(MR) and MRSO certification, particularly as these professionals can command higher pay rates within the workforce.
About the Cornelius Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,640 | $32.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,556 | $36.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,377 | $41.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,151 | $44.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,795 | $52.30 |
Median Salary Position
13.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cornelius
In Cornelius, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,155 (2026 est.). At $86,377, the local median is 13.87% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Cornelius: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cornelius Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Cornelius median: $86,377/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cornelius Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,514 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.87% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cornelius, NC earn a median of $86,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.87% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $87,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cornelius has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cornelius, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,377 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,283 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,230
2025 BLS Actual
$82,240
2026 Current Est.
$86,377
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,984 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,197 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cornelius metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,230 (2019) to $82,240 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,491 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cornelius 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) | $67,640 – $76,556 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,556 – $86,377 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,377 – $93,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,151 – $108,795 |
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 Cornelius
The job market in Cornelius is relatively stable, with only seven magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the area. The cost of living index of 93.6 indicates that living expenses are lower than the national average, which can positively influence take-home purchasing power for technologists. Among the employers, hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed may offer the most competitive salaries, especially for those specializing in cardiac MRI. Factors contributing to the pay difference include subspecialty expertise, shift differentials for night and weekend shifts, and travel assignments, all of which add significant value to the technologist's income. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles that offer stipends for specialized skills can be beneficial strategies in the Cornelius market. Understanding the nuances of employer offerings is key to effectively navigating the local salary landscape for magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
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 $82,240 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Cornelius 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 Cornelius 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