Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $103,581 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Philadelphia, PA earns a median $103,581/year (≈ $49.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Philadelphia's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $101,001 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.8% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Philadelphia, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $103,581, slightly above the national median of $100,283. The salary range extends from $69,414 at the lower end to $121,226 for those at the upper end of the spectrum. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlighting the competitive nature of the market. A premium is often placed on subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which significantly enhance earning potential in this vibrant city. As the demand for these capabilities grows, Philadelphia emerges as a prime location for technologists seeking to advance their skills and salaries in a thriving healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,414 | $33.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,918 | $42.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,581 | $49.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,158 | $52.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,226 | $58.28 |
Median Salary Position
3.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, PA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,812 (2026 est.). At $103,581, the local median is 3.29% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Philadelphia: You'd be above the median
How Philadelphia Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Philadelphia median: $103,581/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Philadelphia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $89,448 | +15.80% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +3.29% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $103,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 15.80% above the Pennsylvania state average of $89,448.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Philadelphia has a cost of living 2.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Philadelphia, PA has a cost-of-living index of 102.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,581 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,001 — a 2.49% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,140
2025 BLS Actual
$98,620
2026 Current Est.
$103,581
2019–2027 Growth
+57.3%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 42.6% from $69,140 (2019) to $98,620 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,651 (57.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Philadelphia 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) | $69,414 – $88,918 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,918 – $103,581 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,581 – $109,158 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,158 – $121,226 |
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 Philadelphia
With 1,160 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the Philadelphia area, the job market remains robust. The cost of living index stands at 102.554, indicating a higher-than-average cost of living that can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. In this sector, hospitals and imaging departments typically offer higher compensation compared to outpatient MRI facilities and mobile imaging companies. Factors contributing to the salary variations include subspecialty focus, which favors areas like cardiac MRI, along with shift differentials for nights and weekends and call coverage at trauma centers. To maximize pay in this local market, technologists should consider acquiring MRSO certification and exploring opportunities with travel MRI agencies or positions that provide stipends for specialized skills. By strategically targeting roles that combine both advanced imaging techniques and flexible availability, MRI technologists can effectively enhance their earning capacity in Philadelphia, PA.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
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 $98,620 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Philadelphia 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