Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Altoona, PA: $86,056 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Altoona, PA earns a median $86,056/year (≈ $41.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Altoona's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $88,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Altoona, Pennsylvania, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $86,056, significantly influenced by the premium associated with subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. The salary spectrum ranges from $66,674 at the 10th percentile to as high as $112,318 for the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in expertise and experience. These local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, position the average compensation in Altoona below the national median of $100,283, highlighting a potential area for growth in the job market. The focus on specialized training in areas like cardiac MRI is driving demand for qualified technologists, creating competitive opportunities in the region.
About the Altoona Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,674 | $32.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,647 | $35.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,056 | $41.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,392 | $45.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,318 | $54.00 |
Median Salary Position
14.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altoona
In Altoona, PA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,644 (2026 est.). At $86,056, the local median is 14.19% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Altoona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Altoona Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Altoona median: $86,056/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Altoona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $89,456 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.19% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Altoona, PA earn a median of $86,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,456.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Altoona has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Altoona, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,056 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,353 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,996
2025 BLS Actual
$81,935
2026 Current Est.
$86,056
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,996 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,935 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,056 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Altoona metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,996 (2019) to $81,935 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,389 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altoona 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) | $66,674 – $73,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,647 – $86,056 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,056 – $95,392 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,392 – $112,318 |
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 Altoona
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Altoona remains relatively stable, with a small workforce of nine professionals currently employed in the field. The cost-of-living index stands at 97.4, indicating that take-home salaries may stretch further than in higher-cost areas, although the pay lags behind national averages. Leading employers typically include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, which can offer higher compensation depending on subspecialty requirements and demand. Variables such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, call coverage at trauma centers, and the inclusion of travel premiums contribute to the salary range in this market. To maximize earning potential in Altoona, technologists should pursue additional certifications like MRSO and consider diversifying their skills across different imaging modalities, especially in high-demand areas like cardiac and neuro MRI.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Altoona, PA in 2026?
Is Altoona, PA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Altoona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Altoona?
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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 $81,935 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Altoona 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 Altoona 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