Senior Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in San Antonio, TX: $109,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in San Antonio, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $109,147/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2035. Strip back San Antonio's price premium (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,236 in average-cost America. The 10% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In the competitive field of magnetic resonance imaging in San Antonio, seasoned technologists stand to gain significantly higher compensation as they accumulate experience. By 2026, top earners are projected to see salaries reach around $109,147, while those at the 75th percentile will earn approximately $103,875. This level of remuneration highlights a substantial experience premium, with a median annual salary of $99,096 reflecting the value placed on expertise. Attaining such top-tier pay is often contingent on specialization and continuous professional development, which may include maintaining advanced credentials through organizations like ARRT or pursuing roles that integrate advanced technology and procedures in MRI.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Antonio
Experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists at the top of the pay scale in San Antonio earn between $103,875 and $109,147 per year (2026 est.). This $28,358 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The San Antonio median of $99,096 sits 1.18% below the US median.
Top MRI Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | San Antonio | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,096 | $100,283 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,875 | $111,689 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $109,147 | $134,092 |
In San Antonio, experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists (P90) earn 10.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay in San Antonio
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX magnetic resonance imaging technologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $99,096 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by San Antonio employers.
Specialty Focus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in San Antonio command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,875–$109,147 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the San Antonio metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Antonio with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Texas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in San Antonio
Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
5-10 yearsMagnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSan Antonio ranks #102 of 109 Texas cities for top earner magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary (90th percentile: $109,147).
Top 10% magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation in San Antonio ($109,147) is 12.69% below the Texas average P90 ($125,014).
2019 BLS Actual
$92,450
2025 BLS Actual
$103,920
2026 Current Est.
$109,147
2019–2027 Growth
+24.0%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,637 | Projected |
Top-earning magnetic resonance imaging technologists (90th percentile) in San Antonio saw their compensation grow 12.4% from $92,450 in 2019 to $103,920 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.03% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $114,637 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Antonio 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.
Maximizing Your Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Earnings in San Antonio
Analysis of the senior magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay landscape in San Antonio reveals a nuanced interplay of factors that drive compensation. Specialties such as neuroradiology, cardiac MRI, and prostate mpMRI are particularly lucrative, reflecting increased demand for these skills in local hospitals and imaging centers. Compensation can vary significantly based on the type of employer, with hospital imaging departments typically offering higher wages compared to outpatient MRI centers or travel agencies. Advancement opportunities are substantial, with roles such as lead MRI tech or MRI modality supervisor providing pathways to elevate one's career and salary potential. Additionally, possessing advanced credentials like ARRT(MR) or MRSO certification can substantially increase one’s earning power in Texas. Non-salary compensation factors as well, such as shift differentials for weekends and nights, can also enhance total earnings for senior professionals in this sector.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in San Antonio in 2026?
What drives higher magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in San Antonio?
What certifications boost magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in San Antonio?
Can experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make six figures in San Antonio?
How much does magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary increase over time in San Antonio?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $103,920 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the San Antonio metro area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical 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