MRI Technologist Pay

Albuquerque vs Roswell: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Roswell, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albuquerque, NM
$92,269
$44.36/hr
Roswell, NM
$92,866
$44.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbuquerque, NMRoswell, NM
Median Salary$92,269$92,866
Hourly Rate$44.36$44.65
Entry Level (P10)$78,226$67,331
25th Percentile$83,740$78,035
75th Percentile$100,283$101,633
Top Earner (P90)$106,395$118,944
Total Employed9012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albuquerque ($92,269) and Roswell ($92,866) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AlbuquerqueRoswellMedian Salary$92,269$92,866Entry Level (P10)$78,226$67,331Top Earner (P90)$106,395$118,944US Median $100,283

Verdict

Roswell, NM offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.

The salary gap between Albuquerque and Roswell is $597 (0.65%). Roswell's median is -7.40% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $28,169,Roswell spans $51,613. Roswell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$78,226
P25$83,740
Median$92,269
P75$100,283
P90 (Top)$106,395
Roswell
P10 (Entry)$67,331
P25$78,035
Median$92,866
P75$101,633
P90 (Top)$118,944

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Roswell ($98,375 effective) pays 1.87% more than Albuquerque ($96,570 effective).

Albuquerque
Nominal: $92,269
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $96,570
Roswell
Nominal: $92,866
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $98,375

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albuquerque if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Roswell if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,866/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($118,944)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,375)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Albuquerque grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Roswell over the same period.

Albuquerque, NM

+22.5%

$71,730 (2019) → $87,850 (2025)

Roswell, NM

+32.6%

$66,675 (2024) → $88,419 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Albuquerque or Roswell?

Roswell has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $92,866/year, compared to Albuquerque at $92,269/year — a difference of $597 (0.65%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Roswell?

Albuquerque magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.36/hr while Roswell hygienists earn $44.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Roswell as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albuquerque and Roswell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albuquerque = $96,570, Roswell = $98,375), job availability (90 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Albuquerque vs Roswell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,226 in Albuquerque and $67,331 in Roswell. The Albuquerque 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