MRI Technologist Pay

Arlington vs Dallas: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Arlington, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Arlington, TX
$105,471
$50.71/hr
Dallas, TX
$107,645
$51.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricArlington, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$105,471$107,645
Hourly Rate$50.71$51.75
Entry Level (P10)$70,681$84,843
25th Percentile$85,214$97,258
75th Percentile$119,959$118,726
Top Earner (P90)$146,566$124,061
Total Employed83950
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Arlington ($105,471) and Dallas ($107,645) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ArlingtonDallasMedian Salary$105,471$107,645Entry Level (P10)$70,681$84,843Top Earner (P90)$146,566$124,061US Median $100,283

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.

The salary gap between Arlington and Dallas is $2,174 (2.06%). Dallas's median is +7.34% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $75,885,Dallas spans $39,218. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Arlington
P10 (Entry)$70,681
P25$85,214
Median$105,471
P75$119,959
P90 (Top)$146,566
Dallas
P10 (Entry)$84,843
P25$97,258
Median$107,645
P75$118,726
P90 (Top)$124,061

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($109,866 effective) pays 5.22% more than Dallas ($104,418 effective).

Arlington
Nominal: $105,471
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $109,866
Dallas
Nominal: $107,645
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $104,418

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Arlington if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($146,566)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,866)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,645/year)
  • Larger job market (950 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Arlington grew 24.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Arlington, TX

+24.0%

$80,986 (2024) → $100,420 (2025)

Dallas, TX

+36.7%

$74,970 (2019) → $102,490 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Arlington or Dallas?

Dallas has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,645/year, compared to Arlington at $105,471/year — a difference of $2,174 (2.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Dallas?

Arlington magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $50.71/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $51.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Arlington to Dallas as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Arlington and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Arlington = $109,866, Dallas = $104,418), job availability (83 vs 950 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Arlington vs Dallas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $70,681 in Arlington and $84,843 in Dallas. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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