Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $90,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $90,717/year (≈ $43.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $96,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Winston-Salem, NC, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $90,717, indicating a competitive compensation level compared to the national median of $100,283. The local salary range spans from $60,053 at the 10th percentile to $125,041 at the 90th percentile, with estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026 with considerations for regional costs of living. This city’s healthcare market consists of various structural settings, including large hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, which significantly influence the earning potential for MRI technologists. As Winston-Salem continues to grow, the demand for specialized imaging services will likely create a robust job market for those in this field.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,053 | $28.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,724 | $34.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,717 | $43.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,580 | $49.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,041 | $60.12 |
Median Salary Position
9.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,988 (2026 est.). At $90,717, the local median is 9.54% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Winston-Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston-Salem Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $90,717/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,564 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -9.54% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $90,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $87,564.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $90,717 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,920 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,407
2025 BLS Actual
$86,372
2026 Current Est.
$90,717
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,407 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $66,407 (2019) to $86,372 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,873 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $60,053 – $72,724 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,724 – $90,717 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,717 – $102,580 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,580 – $125,041 |
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 Winston-Salem
The local job market currently employs 59 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, reflecting a modest but stable industry presence. With a cost-of-living index at 93.6, professionals can expect a bit more purchasing power compared to many other regions, which adds to the appeal of working in Winston-Salem. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed tend to offer better pay and benefit packages. Differences in salaries stem from various factors, including subspecialty focus—those trained in cardiac MRI often earn more than their counterparts in other areas. Additionally, certain shifts, like nights and weekends, provide attractive differentials. To maximize pay, MRI technologists may consider pursuing MRSO certification or taking on roles with travel agencies. The training pathways through organizations such as the ASRT can enhance career growth and salary opportunities in the region.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Winston-Salem?
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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 $86,372 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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