Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Matthews, NC: $86,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Matthews, NC earns a median $86,526/year (≈ $41.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Matthews's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $92,442 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in Matthews, North Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $86,526, which reflects a competitive standing when compared to the national median of $100,283. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $63,475 annually, while experienced technologists can make as much as $109,278. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local living costs, highlight the diverse opportunities available for MRI specialists in this area. With a growing healthcare sector in Matthews, particularly in outpatient centers and hospitals, there continues to be steady demand for technologists in both urban and suburban settings.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,475 | $30.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,525 | $35.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,526 | $41.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,491 | $44.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,278 | $52.54 |
Median Salary Position
13.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
In Matthews, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,803 (2026 est.). At $86,526, the local median is 13.72% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Matthews: You'd be above the median
How Matthews Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Matthews median: $86,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Matthews Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,488 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.72% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Matthews, NC earn a median of $86,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.72% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $87,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Matthews 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.
Matthews, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,526 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,442 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,340
2025 BLS Actual
$82,382
2026 Current Est.
$86,526
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,252 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,878 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Matthews metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,340 (2019) to $82,382 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,878 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,538 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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) | $63,475 – $73,525 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,525 – $86,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,526 – $93,491 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,491 – $109,278 |
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 Matthews
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Matthews is relatively small, with only eight employed in the area. The local cost of living is below the national average, indicated by a cost of living index of 93.6, which can enhance the purchasing power of regional salaries. Among employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest pay, often complemented by shift differentials and potential stipends for certifications like MRSO. The spread between lower and higher salaries is influenced by factors such as subspecialty expertise, such as cardiac versus neuro MRI, and additional income opportunities from on-call responsibilities or mobile MRI services. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Matthews, focusing on in-demand subspecialties and pursuing credentials through organizations like ASRT and ARRT can be advantageous.
More salary data for Matthews, 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 $82,382 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Matthews 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 Matthews 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