Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $101,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $101,167/year (≈ $48.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $98,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the 2026 projected median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $101,167, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $100,283. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data indicate that earnings for this role range from $66,613 at the lower end to $145,429 for the highest earners. These figures illustrate the financial opportunities available for MRI technologists within different healthcare settings. As the local job market continues to grow, those specializing in modalities such as cardiac MRI may find themselves particularly well-compensated, emphasizing the importance of targeted training and qualifications in this rapidly evolving field.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,613 | $32.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,750 | $41.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,167 | $48.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,218 | $56.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,429 | $69.92 |
Median Salary Position
0.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,816 (2026 est.). At $101,167, the local median is 0.88% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $101,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $103,443 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +0.88% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $101,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $103,443.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,167 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,030 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,057
2025 BLS Actual
$96,322
2026 Current Est.
$101,167
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,057 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,349 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,478 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,367 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,256 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $74,057 (2019) to $96,322 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,199 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $66,613 – $86,750 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,750 – $101,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,167 – $118,218 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,218 – $145,429 |
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 Chesapeake
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chesapeake supports approximately 63 professionals, underscoring a healthy demand for skilled technologists. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, that slightly exceeds the national average, it is crucial for techs to consider their take-home pay carefully when evaluating job offers. Among the various employers in Chesapeake, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest salaries, followed by outpatient centers and specialized practices. The variation in pay can often be attributed to subspecializations such as cardiac MRI, night and weekend shift differentials, and additional certifications like MRSO. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing further training in high-demand areas and considering travel MRI positions could yield lucrative opportunities in the local market.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
Is Chesapeake, VA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Chesapeake?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Chesapeake?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Chesapeake?
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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 $96,322 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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