MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Austin, TX
$98,193
$47.21/hr
Pharr, TX
$94,058
$45.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXPharr, TX
Median Salary$98,193$94,058
Hourly Rate$47.21$45.22
Entry Level (P10)$82,543$64,932
25th Percentile$89,622$82,574
75th Percentile$112,477$107,189
Top Earner (P90)$125,322$128,650
Total Employed26018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($98,193) and Pharr ($94,058) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AustinPharrMedian Salary$98,193$94,058Entry Level (P10)$82,543$64,932Top Earner (P90)$125,322$128,650US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Pharr is $4,135 (4.40%). 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,Pharr spans $63,718. Pharr 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
Pharr
P10 (Entry)$64,932
P25$82,574
Median$94,058
P75$107,189
P90 (Top)$128,650

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($100,130 effective) pays 2.20% more than Pharr ($97,977 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $98,193
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $100,130
Pharr
Nominal: $94,058
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $97,977

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 Pharr if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($128,650)
  • 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 Pharr over the same period.

Austin, TX

+23.8%

$75,540 (2019) → $93,490 (2025)

Pharr, TX

+14.5%

$78,185 (2024) → $89,553 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $98,193/year, compared to Pharr at $94,058/year — a difference of $4,135 (4.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Pharr?

Austin magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.21/hr while Pharr hygienists earn $45.22/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Pharr. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $100,130, Pharr = $97,977), job availability (260 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,543 in Austin and $64,932 in Pharr. 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