Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Smyrna, TN: $81,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Smyrna, TN earns a median $81,831/year (≈ $39.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $89,141 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, TN, the projected median salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is set at $81,831 for 2026. This figure reflects a notable gap when compared to the national median, which stands at $100,283, indicating a regional salary landscape influenced by local healthcare demand and cost of living adjustments. The pay scale varies considerably, with entry-level roles earning around $58,817 and top earners making as much as $106,651. These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, paint a picture of an industry where the choices between hospital-based positions, outpatient imaging centers, and travel roles can significantly impact compensation.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,817 | $28.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,674 | $33.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,831 | $39.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,881 | $44.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,651 | $51.28 |
Median Salary Position
18.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,834 (2026 est.). At $81,831, the local median is 18.4% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $81,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $80,941 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -18.40% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $81,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.40% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $80,941.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $81,831 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,141 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,903
2025 BLS Actual
$77,912
2026 Current Est.
$81,831
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,903 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,126 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,354 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,809 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,947 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,903 (2019) to $77,912 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,947 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,044 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $58,817 – $68,674 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,674 – $81,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,831 – $91,881 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,881 – $106,651 |
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 Smyrna
Smyrna currently employs a modest number of magnetic resonance imaging technologists—12 in total—leading to a concentrated job market. The cost of living index in the area is 91.8, providing a more affordable backdrop that can enhance purchasing power relative to salaries. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer more competitive pay compared to outpatient centers, mobile companies, or smaller practices. Variances in pay are often linked to subspecialties, such as cardiac MRI, or shifts that involve evenings and weekends. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications such as MRSO or specializing in in-demand fields like cardiac or prostate mpMRI. Emphasizing skills that address the growing needs in MRI technology will be essential for career advancement in Smyrna, TN.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 $77,912 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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