MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Austin, TX
$98,193
$47.21/hr
Dallas, TX
$107,645
$51.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$98,193$107,645
Hourly Rate$47.21$51.75
Entry Level (P10)$82,543$84,843
25th Percentile$89,622$97,258
75th Percentile$112,477$118,726
Top Earner (P90)$125,322$124,061
Total Employed260950
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($98,193) and Dallas ($107,645) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AustinDallasMedian Salary$98,193$107,645Entry Level (P10)$82,543$84,843Top Earner (P90)$125,322$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 Austin.

The salary gap between Austin and Dallas is $9,452 (9.63%). 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 Austin spans $42,779,Dallas spans $39,218. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$82,543
P25$89,622
Median$98,193
P75$112,477
P90 (Top)$125,322
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, Dallas ($104,418 effective) pays 4.28% more than Austin ($100,130 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $98,193
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $100,130
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 Austin if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($125,322)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,645/year)
  • Larger job market (950 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,418)
  • 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 36.7% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Austin, TX

+23.8%

$75,540 (2019) → $93,490 (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: Austin or Dallas?

Dallas has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,645/year, compared to Austin at $98,193/year — a difference of $9,452 (9.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Dallas?

Austin magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.21/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $51.75/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $100,130, Dallas = $104,418), job availability (260 vs 950 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,543 in Austin 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