MRI Technologist Pay

Baltimore vs Bethesda: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Bethesda, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$108,034
$51.94/hr
Bethesda, MD
$105,870
$50.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDBethesda, MD
Median Salary$108,034▲$105,870
Hourly Rate$51.94▲$50.90
Entry Level (P10)$90,504▲$76,448
25th Percentile$100,965▲$89,437
75th Percentile$118,096$119,299▲
Top Earner (P90)$125,595$143,096▲
Total Employed350▲18
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($108,034) and Bethesda ($105,870) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BaltimoreBethesdaMedian Salary$108,034$105,870Entry Level (P10)$90,504$76,448Top Earner (P90)$125,595$143,096US Median $100,283

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethesda.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Bethesda is $2,164 (2.04%). Baltimore's median is +7.73% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $35,091,Bethesda spans $66,648. Bethesda has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$90,504
P25$100,965
Median$108,034
P75$118,096
P90 (Top)$125,595
Bethesda
P10 (Entry)$76,448
P25$89,437
Median$105,870
P75$119,299
P90 (Top)$143,096

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($103,395 effective) pays 6.74% more than Bethesda ($96,862 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $108,034
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $103,395
Bethesda
Nominal: $105,870
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $96,862

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • ✓Higher median salary ($108,034/year)
  • ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
  • ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,395)
  • ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Bethesda if…

  • ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,096)
  • ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Baltimore grew 35.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Bethesda over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+35.5%

$75,900 (2019) → $102,860 (2025)

Bethesda, MD

+6.1%

$95,014 (2024) → $100,800 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Baltimore, MD

Salary →Hourly →Entry Level →Senior →

Bethesda, MD

Salary →Hourly →Entry Level →Senior →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Baltimore or Bethesda?

Baltimore has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $108,034/year, compared to Bethesda at $105,870/year — a difference of $2,164 (2.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Bethesda?

Baltimore magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.94/hr while Bethesda hygienists earn $50.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Bethesda as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Bethesda. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $103,395, Bethesda = $96,862), job availability (350 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Baltimore vs Bethesda?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $90,504 in Baltimore and $76,448 in Bethesda. The Baltimore area offers higher starting salaries.
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

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