Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Johnson City, TN: $81,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Johnson City, TN earns a median $81,542/year (≈ $39.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Johnson City's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $88,826 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnson City, Tennessee, the projected median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $81,542, which reflects the region's unique job market dynamics and the impact of subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. The salary range spans from $57,805 at the 10th percentile to $108,870 at the 90th percentile, indicating a breadth of opportunity depending on experience and specialization. These local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reveal that while the pay is competitive within the local context, it falls 18.69% below the national median of $100,283 for the same year. Despite this disparity, Johnson City remains an attractive market for MRI techs, especially as demand for advanced imaging continues to grow.
About the Johnson City Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,805 | $27.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,079 | $32.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,542 | $39.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,079 | $43.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,870 | $52.34 |
Median Salary Position
18.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnson City
In Johnson City, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,065 (2026 est.). At $81,542, the local median is 18.69% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnson City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnson City Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Johnson City median: $81,542/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,975 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -18.69% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Johnson City, TN earn a median of $81,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.69% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.70% above the Tennessee state average of $80,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnson City 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.
Johnson City, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $81,542 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,826 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,691
2025 BLS Actual
$77,637
2026 Current Est.
$81,542
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,091 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,644 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnson City metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,691 (2019) to $77,637 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,644 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,953 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnson City 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) | $57,805 – $68,079 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,079 – $81,542 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,542 – $91,079 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,079 – $108,870 |
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 Johnson City
With 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the area, job stability appears solid, although the cost-of-living index at 91.8 suggests that take-home purchasing power is somewhat favorable compared to national averages. Top employers in Johnson City, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities like RadNet and SimonMed, generally offer the highest salaries, particularly for roles that demand nocturnal shifts, call coverage, or additional certifications like MRSO. The variation in pay is influenced by factors such as subspecialty focus—with cardiac MRI often commanding a premium—and the increasing use of 3T and 7T scanners at more advanced centers. For those pursuing roles in this field, strategizing around potential certifications and skill enhancements can yield significant increases in salary, making it essential to focus on continuous professional development amidst evolving industry demands.
More salary data for Johnson City, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Johnson City?
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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 $77,637 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Johnson City 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 Johnson City 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