Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Statesville, NC: $86,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Statesville, NC earns a median $86,804/year (≈ $41.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Statesville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $92,739 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Statesville, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $86,804, which is significantly lower than the national median of $100,283, representing a decrease of 13.44%. The salary range for this role is notable, with the lower 10th percentile at $64,516 and the upper 90th percentile reaching $113,254. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, reflect the increased demand for specialized skills in MRI technology. Factors such as call coverage and shift differentials—particularly for night and weekend shifts—can significantly impact earnings potential, bringing higher wages to those providing critical services during off-peak hours. The current job market for MRI technologists in Statesville is limited yet competitive, with only seven professionals employed in this capacity.
About the Statesville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,516 | $31.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,109 | $35.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,804 | $41.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,000 | $46.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,254 | $54.45 |
Median Salary Position
13.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Statesville
In Statesville, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,738 (2026 est.). At $86,804, the local median is 13.44% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Statesville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Statesville Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Statesville median: $86,804/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Statesville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,504 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.44% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Statesville, NC earn a median of $86,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.44% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the North Carolina state average of $87,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Statesville 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.
Statesville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,804 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,739 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,543
2025 BLS Actual
$82,647
2026 Current Est.
$86,804
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Statesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,651 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,485 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,545 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,170 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Statesville metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,543 (2019) to $82,647 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,170 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,627 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Statesville 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) | $64,516 – $74,109 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,109 – $86,804 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,804 – $96,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,000 – $113,254 |
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 Statesville
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Statesville is relatively small, with just seven professionals currently working in the field. This limited number of positions can create a competitive environment where specialists—especially those with advanced certifications like MRSO or expertise in subspecialties such as cardiac and prostate mpMRI—may find greater salary opportunities. The cost-of-living index in Statesville stands at 93.6, indicating a lower living cost compared to national averages, which enhances the effective purchasing power of the salaries earned. Potential employers include hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI companies, with the highest-paying roles typically found in trauma centers and orthopedic practices where demand for specialized imaging is critical. To maximize earning potential in this region, technologists should seek additional certifications, be open to shift work, and consider roles that offer call coverage incentives. Understanding these dynamics provides a clearer picture of how much magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Statesville and positions them for better financial outcomes in their careers.
More salary data for Statesville, 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 $82,647 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Statesville 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 Statesville 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