Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Columbia, SC: $89,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Columbia, SC earns a median $89,864/year (≈ $43.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.7), that paycheck buys what $95,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, SC, the role of a magnetic resonance imaging technologist holds significant earning potential, particularly for those specializing in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties. With a projected median annual salary of $89,864 for 2026, professionals in this field see a salary spectrum ranging from $71,725 to $100,094. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, highlights not only the competitive pay levels but also the specialized skills that can elevate a technologist's compensation. The local market is buoyed by an increasing reliance on advanced MRI technologies and subspecialties, reflecting a growing demand for skilled professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,725 | $34.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,669 | $39.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,864 | $43.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,964 | $46.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,094 | $48.12 |
Median Salary Position
10.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, SC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,369 (2026 est.). At $89,864, the local median is 10.39% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be above the median
How Columbia Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $89,864/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $91,791 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.39% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbia, SC earn a median of $89,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.39% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $91,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 6.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.662 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $89,864 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,945 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,730
2025 BLS Actual
$85,560
2026 Current Est.
$89,864
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,384 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 24.5% from $68,730 (2019) to $85,560 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,654 (37.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $71,725 – $82,669 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,669 – $89,864 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,864 – $96,964 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,964 – $100,094 |
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 Columbia
In terms of job availability, Columbia currently employs around 130 magnetic resonance imaging technologists. The city's cost-of-living index of 93.662 indicates a lower-than-average expense compared to the national average, enhancing the take-home purchasing power for local technologists. Facilities like outpatient imaging centers, trauma hospitals, and orthopedic practices often offer the best compensation packages. Factors contributing to pay variances include subspecialty focus, shift differentials, call coverage, and additional stipends for certifications such as MRSO. For those looking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Columbia, SC, pursuing certifications in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI and seeking out opportunities for overtime or travel assignments could prove beneficial.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Columbia?
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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 $85,560 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Columbia 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