Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Leland, NC: $81,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Leland, NC earns a median $81,283/year (≈ $39.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Leland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $86,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Leland, North Carolina, are projected to receive a median annual salary of $81,283, reflecting the competitive nature of this specialized field. The salary range spans from $64,487 at the 10th percentile to $102,355 at the 90th percentile, a disparity influenced by factors such as shift differentials and on-call coverage. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data show that while the compensation for MRI technologists in Leland is notably below the national median of $100,283, the area's lower cost of living may offer some adjustment to the financial landscape. As the local market continues to evolve, professionals seeking positions in Leland should be aware of the opportunities to elevate their pay by taking shifts that require weekend or night coverage, as well as roles in high-demand subspecialties like cardiac MRI.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,487 | $31.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,055 | $34.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,283 | $39.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,960 | $43.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,355 | $49.21 |
Median Salary Position
18.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
In Leland, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,868 (2026 est.). At $81,283, the local median is 18.95% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leland Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Leland median: $81,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,495 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -18.95% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Leland, NC earn a median of $81,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.95% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $87,495.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leland 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.
Leland, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $81,283 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,841 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,501
2025 BLS Actual
$77,390
2026 Current Est.
$81,283
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,371 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leland metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,501 (2019) to $77,390 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,371 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,870 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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) | $64,487 – $72,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,055 – $81,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,283 – $89,960 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,960 – $102,355 |
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 Leland
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Leland is comparatively small, with only six technologists employed locally, indicating a tight-knit professional community. The cost of living index is 93.6, suggesting that the overall expenses in Leland are somewhat lower than the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for those who settle here. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers may offer competitive salaries, but the highest pay often comes from travel MRI tech agencies and positions that require specialized skills, like cardiac MRI. The variability in salaries can also be attributed to subspecialty demand and availability of additional compensation for call coverage. To maximize their income, MRI techs might consider pursuing certifications such as MRSO, or seeking positions that allow for premium pay options. Understanding these dynamic elements can help technologists make informed career moves in the Leland, NC market.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Leland, NC in 2026?
Is Leland, NC a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Leland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Leland?
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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 $77,390 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Leland 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 Leland 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