MRI Technologist Pay

Annandale vs Richmond: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Annandale, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Annandale, VA
$98,190
$47.21/hr
Richmond, VA
$103,644
$49.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnnandale, VARichmond, VA
Median Salary$98,190$103,644
Hourly Rate$47.21$49.83
Entry Level (P10)$73,497$82,732
25th Percentile$84,519$86,188
75th Percentile$109,261$105,954
Top Earner (P90)$129,207$106,133
Total Employed9160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Annandale ($98,190) and Richmond ($103,644) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AnnandaleRichmondMedian Salary$98,190$103,644Entry Level (P10)$73,497$82,732Top Earner (P90)$129,207$106,133US Median $100,283

Verdict

Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Annandale.

The salary gap between Annandale and Richmond is $5,454 (5.55%). Richmond's median is +3.35% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Annandale spans $55,710,Richmond spans $23,401. Annandale has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Annandale
P10 (Entry)$73,497
P25$84,519
Median$98,190
P75$109,261
P90 (Top)$129,207
Richmond
P10 (Entry)$82,732
P25$86,188
Median$103,644
P75$105,954
P90 (Top)$106,133

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($105,913 effective) pays 11.32% more than Annandale ($95,145 effective).

Annandale
Nominal: $98,190
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $95,145
Richmond
Nominal: $103,644
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $105,913

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Annandale if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($129,207)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,644/year)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,913)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Annandale grew 19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.

Annandale, VA

+19.3%

$78,331 (2024) → $93,488 (2025)

Richmond, VA

+43.3%

$68,860 (2019) → $98,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Annandale or Richmond?

Richmond has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $103,644/year, compared to Annandale at $98,190/year — a difference of $5,454 (5.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Annandale and Richmond?

Annandale magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.21/hr while Richmond hygienists earn $49.83/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Annandale to Richmond as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Annandale and Richmond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Annandale = $95,145, Richmond = $105,913), job availability (9 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Annandale vs Richmond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,497 in Annandale and $82,732 in Richmond. The Richmond 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