Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Athens, OH: $86,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Athens, OH earns a median $86,255/year (≈ $41.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Athens's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $95,099 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Athens, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $86,255 in 2026, which reflects the demand for specialists in areas such as cardiac and neuro MRI. This compensation range spans from $65,636 at the lower end (P10) to a maximum of $108,485 (P90), highlighting a competitive salary landscape driven by the subspecialty premium. Estimates gathered from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price indices indicate that magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Athens is approximately 13.99% lower than the national median of $100,283. With the evolving technology and increased emphasis on advanced imaging techniques, job opportunities in Athens remain promising, making it essential for technologists to stay ahead in their specialized training.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,636 | $31.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,430 | $35.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,255 | $41.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,552 | $44.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,485 | $52.16 |
Median Salary Position
13.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, OH, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,849 (2026 est.). At $86,255, the local median is 13.99% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Athens median: $86,255/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $92,947 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.99% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Athens, OH earn a median of $86,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.99% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $92,947.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,255 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,099 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,141
2025 BLS Actual
$82,124
2026 Current Est.
$86,255
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,242 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,887 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,026 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,593 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,141 (2019) to $82,124 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,593 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,452 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $65,636 – $74,430 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,430 – $86,255 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,255 – $93,552 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,552 – $108,485 |
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 Athens
The local job market for MRI technologists in Athens consists of only five professionals, suggesting limited competition but also a niche environment where employers may pay competitively to attract skilled workers. The cost of living index in Athens stands at 90.7, allowing technologists to enjoy a slightly lower cost of living compared to national averages, which can enhance their purchasing power. Key employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed tend to offer higher salaries, especially for those with specializations or who are willing to work on weekends or nights, creating a pricing spread that reflects the demand and flexibility of the workforce. To maximize earnings in this market, obtaining additional certifications such as MRSO or pursuing cross-training opportunities can be advantageous, as can leveraging any on-call duties and shift differentials, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI, which continue to see growth and investment.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Athens?
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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 $82,124 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Athens 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 Athens 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