Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Odessa, TX: $93,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Odessa, TX earns a median $93,669/year (≈ $45.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Odessa's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $97,572 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Odessa, TX, those working as magnetic resonance imaging technologists can anticipate a median annual salary of $93,669, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national figure of $100,283. Local salaries range considerably, with the lowest earners making about $67,228 and the highest reaching up to $126,354. The compensation landscape is shaped by factors such as shift differentials and call coverage, which significantly enhance top-end pay for MRI technologists. As a result, those who take on extra shifts during nights or weekends—and are willing to be on-call—can expect to see a commensurate increase in their earnings. This indicates a competitive market for experienced MRI professionals in Odessa, suggesting strong demand for these vital healthcare roles.
About the Odessa Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,228 | $32.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,760 | $37.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,669 | $45.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,948 | $50.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,354 | $60.75 |
Median Salary Position
6.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Odessa
In Odessa, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,126 (2026 est.). At $93,669, the local median is 6.6% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Odessa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Odessa Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Odessa median: $93,669/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Odessa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $94,711 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -6.60% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Odessa, TX earn a median of $93,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $94,711.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Odessa 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.
Odessa, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $93,669 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,572 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,569
2025 BLS Actual
$89,183
2026 Current Est.
$93,669
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,569 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,380 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Odessa metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $68,569 (2019) to $89,183 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,380 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,811 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Odessa 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) | $67,228 – $78,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,760 – $93,669 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,669 – $104,948 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,948 – $126,354 |
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 Odessa
Currently, Odessa employs 17 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, contributing to a robust local job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 96, slightly below the national average, meaning that while salaries may be lower than in other regions, the more affordable living conditions can enhance overall purchasing power. Besides hospitals, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, as well as mobile MRI companies and orthopedic practices, often provide some of the most lucrative positions. The variation in salary stems from multiple factors: subspecialties, with cardiac MRI positioned at the top, demand higher compensation, while on-call incentives and the potential for premium pay from travel assignments further skew earnings. To maximize pay in Odessa's MRI landscape, professionals should aim for specialization, pursue certifications like MRSO, and explore opportunities to participate in popular subspecialty training that can increase their market value.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Odessa?
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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 $89,183 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Odessa 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 Odessa 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