MRI Technologist Pay

Austin vs Brownsville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$98,193
$47.21/hr
Brownsville, TX
$94,679
$45.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXBrownsville, TX
Median Salary$98,193$94,679
Hourly Rate$47.21$45.52
Entry Level (P10)$82,543$69,521
25th Percentile$89,622$80,797
75th Percentile$112,477$103,647
Top Earner (P90)$125,322$133,280
Total Employed26034
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($98,193) and Brownsville ($94,679) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AustinBrownsvilleMedian Salary$98,193$94,679Entry Level (P10)$82,543$69,521Top Earner (P90)$125,322$133,280US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Brownsville is $3,514 (3.71%). Austin's median is -2.08% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $42,779,Brownsville spans $63,759. Brownsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$82,543
P25$89,622
Median$98,193
P75$112,477
P90 (Top)$125,322
Brownsville
P10 (Entry)$69,521
P25$80,797
Median$94,679
P75$103,647
P90 (Top)$133,280

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($100,130 effective) pays 1.53% more than Brownsville ($98,624 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $98,193
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $100,130
Brownsville
Nominal: $94,679
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $98,624

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,193/year)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,130)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Brownsville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($133,280)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Austin grew 23.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Brownsville over the same period.

Austin, TX

+23.8%

$75,540 (2019) → $93,490 (2025)

Brownsville, TX

+38.7%

$64,990 (2020) → $90,145 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Austin or Brownsville?

Austin has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $98,193/year, compared to Brownsville at $94,679/year — a difference of $3,514 (3.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Brownsville?

Austin magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.21/hr while Brownsville hygienists earn $45.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Brownsville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Brownsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $100,130, Brownsville = $98,624), job availability (260 vs 34 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Austin vs Brownsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,543 in Austin and $69,521 in Brownsville. The Austin 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