Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Reading, PA: $105,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Reading, PA earns a median $105,146/year (≈ $50.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Reading's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $108,331 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.6% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Reading, Pennsylvania, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $105,146, which is slightly above the national median of $100,283. According to estimates derived from BLS OEWS data, the salary range in Reading will span from $79,319 at the 10th percentile to $133,955 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as shift differentials and call coverage play critical roles in determining the top-tier compensation figures for candidates, especially for those willing to work during off-hours or on weekends. As Reading continues to host a variety of healthcare facilities, MRI technologists equipped with specialized skills will find competitive pay, reflecting the demand for detailed diagnostic expertise in this city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,319 | $38.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,811 | $45.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,146 | $50.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,224 | $56.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,955 | $64.40 |
Median Salary Position
4.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reading
In Reading, PA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,636 (2026 est.). At $105,146, the local median is 4.85% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reading: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reading Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Reading median: $105,146/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reading Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $89,409 | +17.60% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +4.85% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Reading, PA earn a median of $105,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 17.60% above the Pennsylvania state average of $89,409.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reading has a cost of living 2.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reading, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $105,146 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,331 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,970
2025 BLS Actual
$100,110
2026 Current Est.
$105,146
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,312 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,434 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reading metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $76,970 (2019) to $100,110 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,434 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,464 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reading 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) | $79,319 – $94,811 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,811 – $105,146 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,146 – $117,224 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,224 – $133,955 |
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 Reading
The local job market for MRI technologists in Reading features around 40 professionals, indicating a stable yet growing demand in the sector. With a cost-of-living index at 97.06, residents can expect their purchasing power to remain favorable compared to the national average. Major employers in this region, including hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, often offer the highest wages. The pay range not only reflects specialization—where opportunities in cardiac MRI and other subspecialties are more lucrative—but also benefits from shift differentials and on-call stipends. To maximize earnings, technologists should consider pursuing MRSO certification, seeking positions in trauma centers, or taking advantage of travel MRI tech assignments, all of which can significantly enhance their overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Reading, PA.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Reading?
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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 $100,110 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Reading 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, 4-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