Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Raleigh, NC: $87,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Raleigh, NC earns a median $87,206/year (≈ $41.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Raleigh's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.2), that paycheck buys what $88,843 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the projected salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in 2026 stands at $87,206, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national average of $100,283. This figure, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicates a salary range from $52,074 at the 10th percentile to $102,656 at the 90th percentile. With an employment base of 130 MRI technologists in the area, Raleigh's market presents unique opportunities depending on whether individuals choose to work in hospital settings, outpatient imaging centers, or as travel MRI technicians. Those involved in specialized areas, such as cardiac MRI, may find themselves on the higher end of the pay spectrum, adapting to the needs of evolving medical practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,074 | $25.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,979 | $36.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,206 | $41.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,934 | $46.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,656 | $49.35 |
Median Salary Position
13.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
In Raleigh, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,582 (2026 est.). At $87,206, the local median is 13.04% below the national median of $100,283.
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How Raleigh Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Raleigh median: $87,206/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Raleigh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,557 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.04% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Raleigh, NC earn a median of $87,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.04% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.40% below the North Carolina state average of $87,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Raleigh has a cost of living 1.84% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Raleigh, NC has a cost-of-living index of 98.157 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $87,206 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,843 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.88% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,610
2025 BLS Actual
$83,030
2026 Current Est.
$87,206
2019–2027 Growth
+35.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,593 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Raleigh metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 22.8% from $67,610 (2019) to $83,030 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,593 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,983 (35.47%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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) | $52,074 – $75,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,979 – $87,206 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,206 – $95,934 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,934 – $102,656 |
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 Raleigh
The local cost of living in Raleigh is relatively accessible, with a cost-of-living index of 98.157, enhancing the purchasing power of technologists. While hospitals tend to provide stable employment, outpatient centers and practices focusing on orthopedic or neuroscience with on-site MRIs could offer higher wages. Factors contributing to salary variation include subspecialty skill sets, shift differentials, and potential income from travel or applications specialist roles. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Raleigh, pursuing additional certifications like MRSO or gaining expertise in high-demand areas like cardiac or prostate mpMRI may enhance career advancement opportunities. Understanding employer preferences and demonstrating versatility can also provide a competitive edge in this diverse job market.
More salary data for Raleigh, 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 $83,030 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Raleigh 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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