Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in State College, PA: $85,272 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in State College, PA earns a median $85,272/year (≈ $40.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in State College's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $87,548 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in State College, Pennsylvania, is projected to be $85,272. With a salary range spanning from $64,884 at the lower 10th percentile to $113,028 at the 90th percentile, this compensation reflects the impact of local market dynamics, including shift differentials and mandatory call coverage. These factors can significantly boost earnings, particularly for those covering night shifts or weekends. It’s an important distinction in the State College job market, as local estimates from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, position the region's pay at about 14.97% below the national median of $100,283. This disparity emphasizes the need for MRI technologists in this area to strategically consider employer choice and work conditions.
About the State College Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,884 | $31.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,915 | $35.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,272 | $40.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,385 | $45.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,028 | $54.34 |
Median Salary Position
14.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in State College
In State College, PA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,144 (2026 est.). At $85,272, the local median is 14.97% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in State College: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How State College Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
State College median: $85,272/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | State College Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $89,383 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.97% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in State College, PA earn a median of $85,272 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.97% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,383.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
State College 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.
State College, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,272 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $87,548 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,422
2025 BLS Actual
$81,188
2026 Current Est.
$85,272
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,102 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,019 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,272 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,561 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the State College metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,422 (2019) to $81,188 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,139 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the State College 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) | $64,884 – $73,915 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,915 – $85,272 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,272 – $95,385 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,385 – $113,028 |
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 State College
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists features nine professionals actively employed, underscoring a modest demand in State College, PA. The cost of living index sits at 97.4, indicating that the cost of living is slightly below the national average, which can positively affect take-home pay for MRI technologists. Employers that typically offer the most competitive pay in this region include hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed, and orthopedic practices housing on-site MRI facilities. Factors that contribute to the wide pay spread include subspecialty focus—such as cardiac MRI versus general MRI—shift differentials for after-hours work, and call coverage at specialized trauma centers. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials such as MRSO certification may provide further financial benefits. For those keen on maximizing their pay in State College, targeting roles with higher demand and enhanced shifts can yield substantial dividends.
More salary data for State College, 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 $81,188 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the State College 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 State College 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