Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lufkin, TX: $89,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lufkin, TX earns a median $89,886/year (≈ $43.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lufkin's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $93,631 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lufkin, Texas, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $89,886, which reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities. The salary range for these professionals extends from $67,719 at the lower end to $114,945 for the highest earners. This pay scale underscores the significant role that shift differentials and on-call coverage play in driving compensation, especially for those who cover shifts at trauma centers or work nights and weekends. Comparatively, the salary in Lufkin falls approximately 10.37% short of the national median of $100,283, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional demand and cost of living factors.
About the Lufkin Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,719 | $32.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,414 | $37.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,886 | $43.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,261 | $47.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,945 | $55.27 |
Median Salary Position
10.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lufkin
In Lufkin, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,226 (2026 est.). At $89,886, the local median is 10.37% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lufkin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lufkin Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lufkin median: $89,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lufkin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $94,716 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.37% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lufkin, TX earn a median of $89,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.37% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $94,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lufkin 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.
Lufkin, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $89,886 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,631 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,799
2025 BLS Actual
$85,581
2026 Current Est.
$89,886
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lufkin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,799 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lufkin metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $65,799 (2019) to $85,581 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,608 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lufkin 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) | $67,719 – $77,414 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,414 – $89,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,886 – $98,261 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,261 – $114,945 |
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 Lufkin
Currently, Lufkin employs only eight magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which signifies a niche job market for this specialty. The cost of living index in the area stands at 96, slightly below the national average, affecting the take-home purchasing power for MRI professionals. Among local employers, the highest salaries are typically offered by hospital imaging departments, outpatient imaging centers such as RadNet and SimonMed, and specialized facilities in orthopedic surgery or neuroscience that utilize MRI technology. Factors contributing to the varying pay include subspecialty expertise—where cardiac MRI is at the top of the pay scale—alongside shift differentials and premium rates offered by travel MRI tech agencies. To maximize earnings in Lufkin, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications like MRSO, engaging in continuing education through ASRT or ARRT, and maintaining flexibility with hours to take advantage of higher-paying opportunities.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
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 $85,581 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lufkin 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 Lufkin 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