Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Copperas Cove, TX: $91,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Copperas Cove, TX earns a median $91,555/year (≈ $44.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Copperas Cove's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $95,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Copperas Cove, TX is projected to average $91,555 annually, reflecting a targeted investment in specialists due to growing demand in the field. This salary varies, with the lowest 10% earning around $71,720 and the highest 90% reaching approximately $120,531. Such figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, which contribute to a balanced job market. Additionally, local factors like shift differentials and call coverage significantly influence higher earnings, particularly in settings that require availability during evenings and weekends.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,720 | $34.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,843 | $37.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,555 | $44.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,912 | $49.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,531 | $57.95 |
Median Salary Position
8.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Copperas Cove
In Copperas Cove, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,811 (2026 est.). At $91,555, the local median is 8.7% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Copperas Cove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Copperas Cove Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Copperas Cove median: $91,555/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Copperas Cove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $94,679 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -8.70% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $91,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.70% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $94,679.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Copperas Cove has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Copperas Cove, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $91,555 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,370 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$67,021
2025 BLS Actual
$87,170
2026 Current Est.
$91,555
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,021 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Copperas Cove metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $67,021 (2019) to $87,170 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,139 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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) | $71,720 – $78,843 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,843 – $91,555 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,555 – $101,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,912 – $120,531 |
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 Copperas Cove
Currently, only seven MRI technologists are employed in Copperas Cove, suggesting a relatively small but concentrated job market. Residents benefit from a cost-of-living index of 96, which indicates that, despite the projected salaries, purchasing power remains competitive compared to the national average. Employers that tend to offer higher pay include hospital imaging departments and outpatient facilities like RadNet and SimonMed, where advanced subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and mpMRI can elevate salaries further. The disparity in pay is often linked to skills in different subspecialties, call coverage requirements, and opportunities for side income, such as working with mobile MRI companies. For those seeking to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing certifications like MRSO and focusing on lucrative subspecialties can be advantageous.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Copperas Cove, TX in 2026?
Is Copperas Cove, TX a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Copperas Cove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Copperas Cove?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Copperas Cove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $87,170 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove 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