Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Shelbyville, TN: $77,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Shelbyville, TN earns a median $77,485/year (≈ $37.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Shelbyville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $84,406 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Shelbyville, Tennessee, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $77,485, which is significantly lower than the national median of $100,283, reflecting the unique market conditions in this area. Salaries range from $58,879 at the lower end (P10) to $97,363 at the higher end (P90), highlighting the differential based on skill level, subspecialty expertise, and specific job roles. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for local living costs, indicate that technologists specializing in cardiac MRI or neuro may command higher wages compared to their peers engaged in more general MRI duties. As demand for specialized MRI skills grows, understanding local earning potentials becomes essential for professionals considering or advancing their careers in Shelbyville.
About the Shelbyville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,879 | $28.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,801 | $32.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,485 | $37.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,983 | $40.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,363 | $46.81 |
Median Salary Position
22.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shelbyville
In Shelbyville, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,484 (2026 est.). At $77,485, the local median is 22.73% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shelbyville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shelbyville Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Shelbyville median: $77,485/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shelbyville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,966 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -22.73% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Shelbyville, TN earn a median of $77,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $80,966.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shelbyville 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.
Shelbyville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $77,485 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,406 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,721
2025 BLS Actual
$73,774
2026 Current Est.
$77,485
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,773 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,883 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,382 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shelbyville metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $56,721 (2019) to $73,774 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,382 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,661 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shelbyville 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) | $58,879 – $66,801 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,801 – $77,485 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,485 – $83,983 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,983 – $97,363 |
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 Shelbyville
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Shelbyville features just four individuals currently employed, presenting a tight-knit professional environment. Given the cost-of-living index of 91.8, take-home pay for technologists is enhanced, allowing for a better purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer competitive salaries, as well as outpatient MRI imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed. The pay spread in this market can be influenced by various factors, including subspecialty proficiency (with cardiac MRI often yielding higher rates), shift differentials for night and weekend work, and the possibility of travel contracts providing premium compensation. To maximize their pay, technologists in Shelbyville may consider pursuing additional certifications such as MRSO, which can increase their marketability, as well as exploring opportunities in specialized settings or taking on roles in mobile MRI services that often pay above average salaries.
More salary data for Shelbyville, 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 $73,774 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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