Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Kingsport, TN: $78,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Kingsport, TN earns a median $78,678/year (≈ $37.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Kingsport's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 86.4), that paycheck buys what $91,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kingsport, Tennessee are projected to earn a median annual salary of $78,678. The salary range for this role varies significantly from $69,939 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $100,125 at the upper end (P90), demonstrating the diverse opportunities available based on experience, specialization, and work setting. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlight how the growing demand for particular subspecialties, such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, can substantially impact earning potential. Consequently, while Kingsport’s salaries are notably below the national median of $100,283, the local job market reflects robust demand for MRI technologists amid various healthcare facilities and imaging centers in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,939 | $33.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,604 | $37.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,678 | $37.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,238 | $39.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,125 | $48.14 |
Median Salary Position
21.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingsport
In Kingsport, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,186 (2026 est.). At $78,678, the local median is 21.54% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kingsport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kingsport Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Kingsport median: $78,678/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kingsport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,944 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -21.54% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kingsport, TN earn a median of $78,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.54% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Tennessee state average of $80,944.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kingsport has a cost of living 13.55% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kingsport, TN has a cost-of-living index of 86.447 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $78,678 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,013 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.68% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,595
2025 BLS Actual
$74,910
2026 Current Est.
$78,678
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,599 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,705 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,635 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kingsport metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $57,595 (2019) to $74,910 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,635 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,040 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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) | $69,939 – $78,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,604 – $78,678 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,678 – $82,238 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,238 – $100,125 |
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 Kingsport
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kingsport comprises approximately 80 professionals, reflecting a steady demand within the healthcare sector. With a cost-of-living index of 86.447, those in the field enjoy a moderately affordable living, which can enhance take-home pay's purchasing power. Employers in the area include hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic surgery practices, with the highest salaries often found in trauma centers that require call coverage or in mobile MRI companies. The disparity in pay can also result from subspecialty expertise, with cardiac MRI roles generally commanding higher pay than those in general practice. Those looking to increase their earnings in Kingsport should consider pursuing certifications such as MRSO or specializing in high-demand areas, leveraging evening and weekend shifts, which can also offer shift differentials that boost overall compensation.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kingsport, TN in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Kingsport?
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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 $74,910 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Kingsport 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, 2-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