Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Gastonia, NC: $93,467 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Gastonia, NC earns a median $93,467/year (≈ $44.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Gastonia's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $99,858 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated income for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gastonia, NC is projected to be $93,467, which positions it approximately 6.80% below the national median of $100,283. Salary ranges vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $68,234, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $123,252. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting adjustments for the region's cost of living. For those in Gastonia, opportunities for shift differentials and call coverage are significant components that can considerably influence overall compensation, particularly for technologists willing to work nights, weekends, or be on-call at trauma centers.
About the Gastonia Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,234 | $32.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,300 | $38.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,467 | $44.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,690 | $49.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,252 | $59.26 |
Median Salary Position
6.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gastonia
In Gastonia, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,018 (2026 est.). At $93,467, the local median is 6.8% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gastonia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gastonia Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Gastonia median: $93,467/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gastonia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,516 | +6.80% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -6.80% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Gastonia, NC earn a median of $93,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.80% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.80% above the North Carolina state average of $87,516.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gastonia 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.
Gastonia, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $93,467 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,858 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,421
2025 BLS Actual
$88,991
2026 Current Est.
$93,467
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,102 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,923 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,467 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gastonia metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $68,421 (2019) to $88,991 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,748 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gastonia 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) | $68,234 – $79,300 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,300 – $93,467 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,467 – $103,690 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,690 – $123,252 |
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 Gastonia
Currently, there are about 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Gastonia, indicating a moderate job market within the area. The cost of living index sits at 93.6, meaning expenses are generally lower than the national average, thereby enhancing the purchasing power for MRI technologists in this locality. Among potential employers, hospital imaging departments and reputable outpatient MRI facilities like SimonMed are known to offer competitive pay. The pay disparity in this field can often be attributed to subspecialty skills, such as those specializing in cardiac MRI or multi-parametric MRI, which command higher salaries. Additionally, individuals can boost their earnings through call coverage, travel assignments, or obtaining certifications like the MRSO. For technologists looking to optimize their income in Gastonia, focusing on night shifts, pursuing in-demand subspecialties, and considering travel positions may be viable strategies.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Gastonia, NC in 2026?
Is Gastonia, NC a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Gastonia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Gastonia?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Gastonia?
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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 $88,991 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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