Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cookeville, TN: $76,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Cookeville, TN earns a median $76,923/year (≈ $36.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Cookeville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $83,794 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, Tennessee, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist reaches $76,923 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market despite being 23.29% lower than the national median of $100,283. The local pay spectrum ranges from $58,085 at the 10th percentile to $98,523 at the 90th percentile, with specialized roles and shift differentials significantly influencing these figures. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, depict a market where those willing to take on evenings, weekends, or on-call duties can potentially enhance their earnings. As the demand for skilled MRI technologists continues to rise in Cookeville, opportunities for higher compensation are likely to grow.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,085 | $27.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,347 | $31.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,923 | $36.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,185 | $40.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,523 | $47.37 |
Median Salary Position
23.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cookeville
In Cookeville, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,438 (2026 est.). At $76,923, the local median is 23.29% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cookeville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cookeville Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Cookeville median: $76,923/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cookeville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,971 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -23.29% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $76,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.29% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $80,971.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cookeville has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cookeville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $76,923 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,794 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,310
2025 BLS Actual
$73,239
2026 Current Est.
$76,923
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,434 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,234 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,803 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,239 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,792 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cookeville metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $56,310 (2019) to $73,239 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,482 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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) | $58,085 – $66,347 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,347 – $76,923 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,923 – $84,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,185 – $98,523 |
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 Cookeville
With seven magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Cookeville, job prospects are stable in this region characterized by a cost-of-living index of 91.8, somewhat lower than the national average. This index indicates that while salaries are less competitive compared to national figures, the purchasing power of local MRI technologists remains reasonable. Key employers in the area include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, which tend to offer competitive salaries. The gap between lower and higher pay within the profession can often be attributed to factors such as subspecialization, including cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which command higher salaries, alongside shift differentials and call coverage that are prevalent in trauma centers. For those aiming to maximize their pay, obtaining certifications like MRSO or pursuing advanced training in high-demand areas can significantly enhance earning potential in the Cookeville market.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Cookeville, TN in 2026?
Is Cookeville, TN a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Cookeville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Cookeville?
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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 $73,239 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Cookeville 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 Cookeville 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