MRI Technologist Pay

Aiken vs Greenville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Aiken, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aiken, SC
$90,989
$43.74/hr
Greenville, SC
$90,714
$43.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAiken, SCGreenville, SC
Median Salary$90,989$90,714
Hourly Rate$43.74$43.61
Entry Level (P10)$67,614$75,317
25th Percentile$77,673$82,259
75th Percentile$100,619$96,218
Top Earner (P90)$118,700$101,249
Total Employed4130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aiken ($90,989) and Greenville ($90,714) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AikenGreenvilleMedian Salary$90,989$90,714Entry Level (P10)$67,614$75,317Top Earner (P90)$118,700$101,249US Median $100,283

Verdict

Aiken, SC offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.

The salary gap between Aiken and Greenville is $275 (0.30%). Aiken's median is -9.27% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $51,086,Greenville spans $25,932. Aiken has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aiken
P10 (Entry)$67,614
P25$77,673
Median$90,989
P75$100,619
P90 (Top)$118,700
Greenville
P10 (Entry)$75,317
P25$82,259
Median$90,714
P75$96,218
P90 (Top)$101,249

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aiken ($99,442 effective) pays 2.23% more than Greenville ($97,270 effective).

Aiken
Nominal: $90,989
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $99,442
Greenville
Nominal: $90,714
CoL Index: 93.26
Adjusted: $97,270

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aiken if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,989/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($118,700)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,442)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greenville if…

  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Aiken grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Greenville over the same period.

Aiken, SC

+32.6%

$65,327 (2024) → $86,631 (2025)

Greenville, SC

+28.4%

$67,250 (2019) → $86,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Aiken or Greenville?

Aiken has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $90,989/year, compared to Greenville at $90,714/year — a difference of $275 (0.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Greenville?

Aiken magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.74/hr while Greenville hygienists earn $43.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aiken to Greenville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aiken and Greenville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aiken = $99,442, Greenville = $97,270), job availability (4 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Aiken vs Greenville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,614 in Aiken and $75,317 in Greenville. The Greenville area offers higher starting salaries.
CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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