Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Virginia: $101,195 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Virginia's 42 metropolitan areas, the average median magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay sits at $101,195/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2035. Because Virginia sits at BEA RPP 103.2 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $98,057 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Alexandria ($108,189), Newport News ($99,301), Richmond ($98,680).
In Virginia, the projected average median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $101,194, which is slightly above the national median of $100,283, representing a 0.9% increase. The highest-paying city in the state is Alexandria, with an average salary of $113,631, while the lowest is Bristol, where technologists can expect $80,488. This significant difference of $33,143 is influenced by local demand for healthcare services, the cost of living in various areas, and the availability of experienced professionals. Factors specific to Virginia include state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can impact job roles and responsibilities. The demand for MRI technologists is driven by the increasing need for imaging services, an aging population, and advancements in medical technology. The job market outlook for MRI technologists in Virginia is strong, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.03%. This suggests a stable employment environment, with an estimated total of 881 technologists employed across the state. Cities like Newport News, Richmond, Hampton, and Centreville are also expected to offer competitive salaries, reflecting the overall demand for qualified imaging professionals in the region.
Virginia Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Virginia: $42,516 (lowest entry-level) to $155,823 (highest top earner)
Virginia vs National Average
Virginia magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn 0.91% more than the national median (+$912/year difference).
Virginia Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salaries in Virginia range from $75,183 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $124,160 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $101,195. The Virginia median is $912 above the US national median of $100,283. The average hourly rate is $48.65/hr. Approximately 881 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed across 42 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,964
2025 BLS Actual
$96,348
2026 Current Est.
$101,195
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,964 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,805 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,348 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,195 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 37.7% from $69,964 (2019) to $96,348 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,321 (51.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Bristol | $80,488 |
| Winchester | $87,070 |
| Falls Church | $95,426 |
| Herndon | $96,944 |
| Williamsburg | $98,001 |
Best Value Cities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $113,631 | 103.2 | $110,108 |
| Richmond | $103,644 | 97.858 | $105,913 |
| Virginia Beach | $100,776 | 97.941 | $102,895 |
| Newport News | $104,296 | 103.2 | $101,062 |
| Hampton | $103,377 | 103.2 | $100,172 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $75,183 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $101,195 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $124,160 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 42 Cities in Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria | $113,631 |
| 2 | Newport News | $104,296 |
| 3 | Richmond | $103,644 |
| 4 | Hampton | $103,377 |
| 5 | Centreville | $102,895 |
| 6 | Blacksburg | $102,640 |
| 7 | Roanoke | $102,607 |
| 8 | Lynchburg | $102,600 |
| 9 | Norfolk | $102,280 |
| 10 | Burke | $102,197 |
| 11 | Harrisonburg | $101,985 |
| 12 | Suffolk | $101,755 |
| 13 | Tuckahoe | $101,466 |
| 14 | Ashburn | $101,321 |
| 15 | McLean | $101,314 |
| 16 | Reston | $101,207 |
| 17 | Danville | $101,186 |
| 18 | Chesapeake | $101,167 |
| 19 | Virginia Beach | $100,776 |
| 20 | Fredericksburg | $100,752 |
| 21 | Dale City | $100,731 |
| 22 | Manassas | $100,624 |
| 23 | Salem | $100,343 |
| 24 | Leesburg | $100,199 |
| 25 | Portsmouth | $100,141 |
| 26 | Mechanicsville | $99,981 |
| 27 | Springfield | $99,627 |
| 28 | Woodbridge | $99,491 |
| 29 | Sterling | $99,299 |
| 30 | Staunton | $99,226 |
| 31 | Charlottesville | $99,193 |
| 32 | Lake Ridge | $99,170 |
| 33 | Linton Hall | $99,057 |
| 34 | Radford | $98,982 |
| 35 | Fairfax | $98,804 |
| 36 | Waynesboro | $98,321 |
| 37 | Annandale | $98,190 |
| 38 | Williamsburg | $98,001 |
| 39 | Herndon | $96,944 |
| 40 | Falls Church | $95,426 |
| 41 | Winchester | $87,070 |
| 42 | Bristol | $80,488 |
More Virginia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Virginia cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Explore More Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Virginia?
How does Virginia magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Virginia?
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed in Virginia?
Which Virginia city offers the best value for magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation across Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 42 metro areas — larger metro areas with more magnetic resonance imaging technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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