Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Harlingen, TX: $95,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Harlingen, TX earns a median $95,422/year (≈ $45.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Harlingen's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $99,398 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, TX, the projected median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $95,422 for 2026, reflecting a competitive local market influenced by increasing demands in specialized MRI subspecialties. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $100,283, with a comprehensive salary range from $68,097 at the 10th percentile to $123,996 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial variation in pay largely driven by subspecialization such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, suggest that those with advanced skills in cardiac or neuro MRI may earn premiums, enhancing their compensation potential within the Harlingen job market.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,097 | $32.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,350 | $40.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,422 | $45.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,540 | $50.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,996 | $59.62 |
Median Salary Position
4.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harlingen
In Harlingen, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,899 (2026 est.). At $95,422, the local median is 4.85% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harlingen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harlingen Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Harlingen median: $95,422/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harlingen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $94,665 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -4.85% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Harlingen, TX earn a median of $95,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% above the Texas state average of $94,665.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harlingen 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.
Harlingen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $95,422 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,398 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,852
2025 BLS Actual
$90,852
2026 Current Est.
$95,422
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,208 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,222 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harlingen metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $69,852 (2019) to $90,852 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,222 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,370 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harlingen 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) | $68,097 – $83,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,350 – $95,422 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,422 – $104,540 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,540 – $123,996 |
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 Harlingen
A closer look at the local job market reveals that there are currently 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Harlingen, TX, a number that reflects a modest yet stable industry presence. With a cost-of-living index at 96, which is slightly below the national average, the effective purchasing power of salaries in this region is favorable compared to larger metropolitan areas. The highest pay for MRI technologists can often be found in hospital imaging departments or specialized outpatient MRI centers, while mobile MRI companies and orthopedic surgery practices also offer competitive salaries. Factors influencing the pay range include subspecialties, shift differentials, and additional certifications like MRSO, which can lead to increased compensation. For those in the Harlingen market looking to maximize their income, pursuing certifications in in-demand fields and being flexible with shifts—particularly nights and weekends—can significantly enhance earning potential in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Harlingen, TX in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Harlingen?
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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 $90,852 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Harlingen 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 Harlingen 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