Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Jackson, TN: $81,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Jackson, TN earns a median $81,677/year (≈ $39.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $88,973 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Jackson, Tennessee, the earnings for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reflect both the demand for their expertise and the unique dynamics of the local healthcare market. As of 2026, these professionals are projected to have a median annual salary of $81,677, with a salary range extending from $58,120 at the lower end to $106,344 for those at the top of the scale. These estimates, pulled from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional living costs, indicate a competitive compensation structure that is influenced by various factors such as shift differentials and call coverage, which are critical components driving the higher end of the salary spectrum. In a market like Jackson, understanding how these dynamics interact can provide valuable insight for both current MRI technologists and those considering entering the field.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,120 | $27.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,356 | $32.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,677 | $39.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,394 | $43.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,344 | $51.13 |
Median Salary Position
18.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,224 (2026 est.). At $81,677, the local median is 18.55% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Jackson median: $81,677/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,948 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -18.55% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Jackson, TN earn a median of $81,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $80,948.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson 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.
Jackson, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $81,677 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,973 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$59,790
2025 BLS Actual
$77,765
2026 Current Est.
$81,677
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,684 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,785 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,790 (2019) to $77,765 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,785 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,995 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $58,120 – $68,356 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,356 – $81,677 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,677 – $91,394 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,394 – $106,344 |
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 Jackson
The local job market comprises around 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, with a cost-of-living index of 91.8 indicating that Jackson's living expenses are below the national average. This favorable cost-of-living context enhances the real value of take-home pay for those in the profession. In terms of who pays the most, established hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers often offer higher salaries. Factors influencing the earnings spread include subspecialty expertise, with cardiac MRI skills commanding greater premiums, and additional income from shift differentials for nights and weekends, especially in trauma centers. As the demand for cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI services grows, professionals enhancing their qualifications through certifications like MRSO stand to maximize their earning potential, particularly in a market like Jackson, where strategic choices can make a significant difference in overall compensation.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Jackson, TN in 2026?
Is Jackson, TN a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Jackson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Jackson?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Jackson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $77,765 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Jackson 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 Jackson 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