Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Columbus, OH: $95,084 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Columbus, OH earns a median $95,084/year (≈ $45.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $99,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The 2026 median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Columbus, Ohio, is projected to be $95,084, which is slightly below the national median of $100,283. Salary ranges for this profession vary significantly, with the lower end falling around $80,400 and the upper range reaching up to $108,475. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, project a competitive compensation landscape, especially considering the specialty's increasing demand in cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI. Factors like shift differentials and call coverage also contribute to the higher earnings within the field, reflecting the crucial nature of the role in a busy medical environment like Columbus.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,400 | $38.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,589 | $41.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,084 | $45.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,984 | $51.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,475 | $52.15 |
Median Salary Position
5.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, OH, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,075 (2026 est.). At $95,084, the local median is 5.18% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be above the median
How Columbus Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $95,084/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $92,946 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -5.18% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus, OH earn a median of $95,084 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.18% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.30% above the Ohio state average of $92,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 4.53% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, OH has a cost-of-living index of 95.469 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $95,084 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,597 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,650
2025 BLS Actual
$90,530
2026 Current Est.
$95,084
2019–2027 Growth
+43.4%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,084 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,866 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.0% from $69,650 (2019) to $90,530 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,866 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,216 (43.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $80,400 – $85,589 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,589 – $95,084 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,084 – $106,984 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,984 – $108,475 |
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 Columbus
With approximately 380 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in the Columbus area, the job market demonstrates solid demand. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 95.469, this suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, take-home purchasing power remains favorable. Employers in hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, such as RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for specialized roles. The pay variance often stems from different factors, including subspecialty expertise and the shift pattern of technologists. Those working nights, weekends, or in trauma centers can significantly enhance their earnings through call coverage premiums. For professionals seeking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Columbus, pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and specializing in high-demand areas can provide substantial growth opportunities.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
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 $90,530 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Columbus 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