Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $86,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wake Forest, NC earns a median $86,300/year (≈ $41.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Wake Forest's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $92,201 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in 2026 is $86,300. This figure highlights a competitive compensation landscape, especially when compared to the national median of $100,283. With a salary range from $65,464 at the 10th percentile to $116,990 at the 90th percentile, technologists can find various opportunities across local healthcare systems, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized practices that often influence pay scales. The salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional costs, reflecting the unique market conditions in Wake Forest, which can impact potential earnings for those in this specialized field.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,464 | $31.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,111 | $35.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,300 | $41.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,454 | $46.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,990 | $56.24 |
Median Salary Position
13.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,526 (2026 est.). At $86,300, the local median is 13.94% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wake Forest Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Wake Forest median: $86,300/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,525 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.94% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $86,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.94% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $87,525.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wake Forest 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.
Wake Forest, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,300 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,201 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,174
2025 BLS Actual
$82,167
2026 Current Est.
$86,300
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,174 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,276 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,064 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,641 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wake Forest metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,174 (2019) to $82,167 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,641 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,467 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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) | $65,464 – $73,111 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,111 – $86,300 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,300 – $97,454 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,454 – $116,990 |
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 Wake Forest
Despite the relatively tight employment numbers, with just nine magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in the area, the cost of living in Wake Forest remains lower than the national average, as indicated by a cost-of-living index of 93.6. This means that take-home pay stretches further, allowing technologists a comfortable standard of living. While hospitals and specialized outpatient radiology centers typically set the pay benchmark, factors such as subspecialization—where cardiac MRI ranks higher—working nights, and travel assignments can significantly alter compensation. To maximize earnings in this market, technologists might consider pursuing certifications like MRSO or engaging in mobile MRI partnerships, where premiums are often available. Opting for facilities known for higher reimbursements or flexible shifts can also boost overall income potential.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wake Forest, NC in 2026?
Is Wake Forest, NC a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Wake Forest?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Wake Forest?
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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 $82,167 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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