Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $80,705 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $80,705/year (≈ $38.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $88,237 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is estimated at $80,705. This salary reflects the ongoing demand for skilled technologists in the area, supported by high shift differentials and call coverage that often boost compensation toward the upper range of $93,708. The full salary spectrum within the region ranges from $64,436 at the 10th percentile to $93,708 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicating a robust remuneration structure that positions Chattanooga slightly below the national average of $100,283. As the local healthcare market grows, so too does the opportunity for MRI technologists to find competitive salaries that align with their expertise and experience.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,436 | $30.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,581 | $31.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,705 | $38.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,858 | $39.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,708 | $45.06 |
Median Salary Position
19.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,272 (2026 est.). At $80,705, the local median is 19.52% below the national median of $100,283.
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How Chattanooga Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $80,705/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,948 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -19.52% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $80,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.52% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% below the Tennessee state average of $80,948.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $80,705 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,237 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,350
2025 BLS Actual
$76,840
2026 Current Est.
$80,705
2019–2027 Growth
+47.8%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,705 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,765 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 34.0% from $57,350 (2019) to $76,840 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,765 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,415 (47.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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) | $64,436 – $65,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,581 – $80,705 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,705 – $82,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,858 – $93,708 |
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 Chattanooga
With 170 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Chattanooga, the local job market is quite stable. Given the cost-of-living index of 91.464, the take-home purchasing power in the region is relatively favorable, allowing techs to stretch their salaries further compared to the national average. The highest wages are typically found in hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic practices with on-site MRI facilities. Factors such as subspecialty certification—where cardiac MRI and neuro MRI command higher pay—shift differentials for nights or weekends, and call coverage all contribute to the salary variability. Emerging pathways like MRSO certification and opportunities for supplementary income as applications specialists further enhance earning potential. For those seeking to maximize their pay, pursuing additional certifications and being open to travel assignments can yield significant financial rewards in the Chattanooga market.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chattanooga, TN in 2026?
Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Chattanooga?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Chattanooga?
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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 $76,840 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Chattanooga 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