MRI Technologist Pay

Austin vs Missouri City: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$98,193
$47.21/hr
Missouri City, TX
$94,829
$45.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXMissouri City, TX
Median Salary$98,193$94,829
Hourly Rate$47.21$45.59
Entry Level (P10)$82,543$66,715
25th Percentile$89,622$78,498
75th Percentile$112,477$103,171
Top Earner (P90)$125,322$131,511
Total Employed26012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($98,193) and Missouri City ($94,829) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AustinMissouri CityMedian Salary$98,193$94,829Entry Level (P10)$82,543$66,715Top Earner (P90)$125,322$131,511US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Missouri City is $3,364 (3.55%). 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,Missouri City spans $64,796. Missouri City 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
Missouri City
P10 (Entry)$66,715
P25$78,498
Median$94,829
P75$103,171
P90 (Top)$131,511

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($100,130 effective) pays 1.37% more than Missouri City ($98,780 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $98,193
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $100,130
Missouri City
Nominal: $94,829
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $98,780

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 Missouri City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($131,511)
  • 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 14.5% growth in Missouri City over the same period.

Austin, TX

+23.8%

$75,540 (2019) → $93,490 (2025)

Missouri City, TX

+14.5%

$78,827 (2024) → $90,288 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $98,193/year, compared to Missouri City at $94,829/year — a difference of $3,364 (3.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Missouri City?

Austin magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.21/hr while Missouri City hygienists earn $45.59/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Missouri City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $100,130, Missouri City = $98,780), job availability (260 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,543 in Austin and $66,715 in Missouri City. 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