Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Memphis, TN: $84,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Memphis, TN earns a median $84,854/year (≈ $40.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $92,054 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the average annual compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Memphis, TN, is projected to be $84,854, showcasing a competitive position within the healthcare field despite being about 15.39% below the national median of $100,283. Salary ranges vary significantly, from a starting point of $71,032 at the 10th percentile up to $102,362 at the 90th percentile. As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), factors such as shift differentials for night and weekend work, along with coverage for on-call responsibilities, are key drivers behind higher earnings. This dynamic results in attractive opportunities for those willing to adapt to the demands of various healthcare establishments, reflecting a healthy job market for MRI technologists in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,032 | $34.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,386 | $39.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,854 | $40.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,933 | $41.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,362 | $49.21 |
Median Salary Position
15.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,330 (2026 est.). At $84,854, the local median is 15.39% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Memphis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Memphis median: $84,854/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,967 | +4.80% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.39% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $84,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.39% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.80% above the Tennessee state average of $80,967.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $84,854 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,054 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,920
2025 BLS Actual
$80,790
2026 Current Est.
$84,854
2019–2027 Growth
+51.3%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,122 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 37.1% from $58,920 (2019) to $80,790 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,122 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,202 (51.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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) | $71,032 – $82,386 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,386 – $84,854 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,854 – $86,933 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,933 – $102,362 |
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 Memphis
With approximately 270 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Memphis, the local job market demonstrates a solid demand for these professionals. The cost of living index in the area sits at 92.179, indicating a more affordable living compared to the national average, and thus allowing for better purchasing power on salaries earned. Among employers, major hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, such as RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the most competitive pay packages. Additionally, subspecialties, including cardiac MRI, command higher wages, particularly for those seeking MRSO certification. The pay spread can also be affected by differentials for working in high-demand settings like trauma centers, as well as opportunities for travel MRI positions that often come with premium wages. For technologists in Memphis, embracing additional subspecialties, seeking certification, and being flexible with shifts can enhance their earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $80,790 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Memphis 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