Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Durham, NC: $90,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Durham, NC earns a median $90,198/year (≈ $43.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Durham's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $96,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durham, North Carolina, the median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to reach $90,198 in 2026, showcasing a competitive position relative to the national figure of $100,283. This figure reflects a vibrant local demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties, which can command higher premiums in the market. The salary range within the city is diverse, spanning from $58,829 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $129,008 for top earners (P90). These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parities, highlighting the unique economic context of Durham's healthcare landscape, which is poised for growth and increased specialization in advanced imaging technologies.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,829 | $28.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,981 | $37.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,198 | $43.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,424 | $48.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,008 | $62.02 |
Median Salary Position
10.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durham
In Durham, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,179 (2026 est.). At $90,198, the local median is 10.06% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durham Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Durham median: $90,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,571 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.06% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Durham, NC earn a median of $90,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.06% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $87,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durham 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.
Durham, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $90,198 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,365 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,570
2025 BLS Actual
$85,878
2026 Current Est.
$90,198
2019–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,319 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,735 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durham metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 25.2% from $68,570 (2019) to $85,878 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,735 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,165 (38.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durham 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) | $58,829 – $76,981 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,981 – $90,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,198 – $101,424 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,424 – $129,008 |
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 Durham
With 67 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Durham, the job market shows solid opportunities for entry and advancement. The region's cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, indicating that housing and daily expenses are relatively lower compared to the national average, thus enhancing the purchasing power of local salaries. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers, including RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the highest wages, especially for those with extensive experience and specialized certifications like MRSO. Factors contributing to the salary variation include subspecialty expertise, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and premiums for travel roles. To maximize earnings in the Durham market, MRI technologists should focus on acquiring certifications in sought-after subspecialties, seeking employers who value advanced skills, and considering opportunities for extra income through call coverage or travel assignments.
More salary data for Durham, 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 $85,878 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Durham 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 Durham 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