Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Winston, NC: $91,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Winston, NC earns a median $91,240/year (≈ $43.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Winston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $99,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winston, NC, magnetic resonance imaging technologists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $91,240 in 2026, reflecting a competitive pay structure relative to the national average. Salaries within this field span from $80,957 at the 10th percentile to $110,250 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the premium opportunities associated with specialties such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizes the growing demand for these skills within the region. As technology in imaging continues to advance, those equipped with specialized credentials can command higher wages, reinforcing the value of training programs such as ASRT and ARRT(MR) certifications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,957 | $38.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,457 | $40.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,240 | $43.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,961 | $49.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,250 | $53.01 |
Median Salary Position
9.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston
In Winston, NC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,293 (2026 est.). At $91,240, the local median is 9.02% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Winston median: $91,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,562 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -9.02% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Winston, NC earn a median of $91,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.02% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.20% above the North Carolina state average of $87,562.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston has a cost of living 7.96% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winston, NC has a cost-of-living index of 92.043 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $91,240 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,128 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.65% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,400
2025 BLS Actual
$86,870
2026 Current Est.
$91,240
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,829 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 18.4% from $73,400 (2019) to $86,870 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,829 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,429 (30.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston 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) | $80,957 – $83,457 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,457 – $91,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,240 – $102,961 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,961 – $110,250 |
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
Winston hosts approximately 130 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, contributing to a robust local job market despite a cost of living index of 92.043, which is below the national average. This less expensive cost of living can enhance take-home purchasing power, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on local salaries. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, including RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the most competitive pay rates. The disparity between lower and higher salaries is influenced by several factors including subspecialty focus, shift differentials, and additional stipends for MRSO certification. To maximize pay in this region, technologists should consider pursuing subspecialties, actively seek out night or weekend shifts, and remain informed of opportunities for mobile or travel positions that often offer premium compensation.
More salary data for Winston, 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 $86,870 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Winston 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