Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Erie, PA: $87,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Erie, PA earns a median $87,718/year (≈ $42.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Erie's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $90,060 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Pennsylvania, the projected median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $87,718, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape compared to the national median of $100,283. The salary range extends from $65,474 at the 10th percentile to $118,027 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse array of earning potential within the region. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments highlight how factors such as employment settings influence pay. Hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and travel positions can significantly differ in compensation, making the local job market's variations particularly noteworthy for professionals in Erie.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,474 | $31.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,783 | $35.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,718 | $42.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,524 | $47.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,027 | $56.75 |
Median Salary Position
12.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Erie
In Erie, PA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,553 (2026 est.). At $87,718, the local median is 12.53% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Erie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Erie Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Erie median: $87,718/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Erie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $89,417 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.53% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Erie, PA earn a median of $87,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.53% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,417.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Erie 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.
Erie, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $87,718 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,060 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,460
2025 BLS Actual
$83,517
2026 Current Est.
$87,718
2019–2027 Growth
+57.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,667 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Erie metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 42.9% from $58,460 (2019) to $83,517 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,670 (57.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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) | $65,474 – $73,783 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,783 – $87,718 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,718 – $98,524 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,524 – $118,027 |
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 Erie
With 24 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Erie, the market offers a stable atmosphere for job seekers. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.4, suggesting that salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power when compared to national averages. Among the various employers, hospital imaging departments tend to offer the highest pay, particularly for those specializing in cardiac MRI and other subspecialties. However, travel MRI positions can also provide attractive pay, especially when factoring in potential stipends for certifications like MRSO. Those aiming to maximize their compensation should focus on acquiring specialized training, such as cardiac MRI or mpMRI, and consider working night shifts or weekends, where differential rates can further enhance earnings. In Erie, strategic career moves can position technologists at a premium within the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Erie, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Erie, PA in 2026?
Is Erie, PA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Erie?
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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 $83,517 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Erie 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 Erie 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