Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lexington, SC: $86,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lexington, SC earns a median $86,671/year (≈ $41.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $94,722 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lexington, South Carolina can expect to earn a median annual salary of $86,671. The salary range is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $63,511 and seasoned technologists reaching up to $106,728. These figures, which reflect local estimates from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, show that the compensation for MRI technologists tends to be competitive despite being approximately 13.57% lower than the national median of $100,283. The demand for skilled professionals in this high-specialty field is reflected in the earning potential, partially driven by the necessity for shift differentials and call coverage, particularly in hospitals and trauma centers, which can significantly increase pay at the higher end of the spectrum.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,511 | $30.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,287 | $35.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,671 | $41.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,592 | $44.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,728 | $51.31 |
Median Salary Position
13.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,217 (2026 est.). At $86,671, the local median is 13.57% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be above the median
How Lexington Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lexington median: $86,671/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $91,715 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.57% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lexington, SC earn a median of $86,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.57% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $91,715.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,671 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,722 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,446
2025 BLS Actual
$82,520
2026 Current Est.
$86,671
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,219 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,374 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,030 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,446 (2019) to $82,520 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,030 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,584 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $63,511 – $73,287 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,287 – $86,671 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,671 – $92,592 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,592 – $106,728 |
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 Lexington
Currently, there are five magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Lexington, a number that indicates a specialized yet relatively small job market. The cost of living index sits at 91.5, which is below the national average, suggesting that while salaries may lag behind larger markets, the purchasing power in Lexington remains reasonable. Employment opportunities with the highest pay are likely found in major hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient facilities, where advanced certifications in areas such as cardiac MRI can lead to enhanced earnings. Variations in compensation often emerge due to subspecialty demands, with cardiac and neuro imaging roles generally yielding higher pay. By considering additional certifications like MRSO and pursuing roles in travel MRI or mobile imaging, technologists can explore avenues to maximize their pay within the unique environment of Lexington SC.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lexington, SC in 2026?
Is Lexington, SC a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lexington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Lexington?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Lexington?
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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 $82,520 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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