Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Bristol, RI: $95,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Bristol, RI earns a median $95,407/year (≈ $45.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $94,932 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Bristol, RI, is projected to reach a median of $95,407, slightly below the national median of $100,283. The local salary range is notably broad, spanning from $70,691 at the lower tenth percentile to $123,355 for those in the top tier, indicating a competitive pay structure in this specialized field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost factors. In Bristol, employment opportunities for MRI technologists are shaped by the presence of hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers, impacting both job availability and salary expectations.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,691 | $33.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,939 | $38.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,407 | $45.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,291 | $48.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,355 | $59.30 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,664 (2026 est.). At $95,407, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $95,407/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $100,747 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -4.86% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol, RI earn a median of $95,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $100,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,407 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,932 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,841
2025 BLS Actual
$90,838
2026 Current Est.
$95,407
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,669 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,206 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $69,841 (2019) to $90,838 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,206 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,365 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $70,691 – $80,939 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,939 – $95,407 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,407 – $100,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,291 – $123,355 |
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 Bristol
The job market in Bristol is modest, with only 5 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 100.5, which is slightly above the national average, take-home pay may be somewhat constrained. Among employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest compensation, but outpatient MRI facilities like RadNet and SimonMed also provide competitive pay. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as subspecialization in fields like cardiac MRI, shift differentials for night and weekend work, and the demand for MRSO certification. To maximize earnings, technologists in Bristol may benefit from pursuing advanced certifications in in-demand specialties and considering flexible employment options like travel positions, which can yield substantial financial rewards.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bristol, RI in 2026?
Is Bristol, RI a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Bristol?
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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 $90,838 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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