Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Waco, TX: $95,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Waco, TX earns a median $95,208/year (≈ $45.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Waco's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $99,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waco, Texas, will see a median annual salary of $95,208, reflecting the local industry's dynamics. This salary range spans from $68,010 at the lowest decile to $131,304 at the high end, showcasing the earning potential within this specialized field. Based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, these estimates take cost of living adjustments into account, with Waco's cost index at 96, indicating a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average. The varying compensation can be attributed to different employment settings, such as hospitals, outpatient facilities, or travel positions, each offering unique pay scales and benefits, making Waco's job market competitive for skilled MRI technologists.
About the Waco Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,010 | $32.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,809 | $38.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,208 | $45.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,675 | $52.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,304 | $63.12 |
Median Salary Position
5.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waco
In Waco, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,294 (2026 est.). At $95,208, the local median is 5.06% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waco Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Waco median: $95,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $94,734 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -5.06% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waco, TX earn a median of $95,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% above the Texas state average of $94,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waco 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.
Waco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $95,208 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,175 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,695
2025 BLS Actual
$90,648
2026 Current Est.
$95,208
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,037 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waco metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $69,695 (2019) to $90,648 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,302 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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) | $68,010 – $79,809 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,809 – $95,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,208 – $108,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,675 – $131,304 |
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 Waco
The local job market in Waco employs 22 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, providing a tight-knit community for professionals in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 96, technologists may find their take-home pay offers a decent quality of life. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically lead in compensation, although outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed are also significant contributors to the overall salary landscape. The vast salary range is driven by factors such as subspecialty expertise, with cardiac MRI often commanding higher pay than general MRI duties. Furthermore, taking on additional responsibilities such as shift differentials and call coverage at trauma centers can enhance earnings. For those looking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Waco, pursuing MRSO certification or exploring travel MRI positions can provide substantial financial benefits.
More salary data for Waco, 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 $90,648 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Waco 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 Waco 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