MRI Technologist Pay

Bartlett vs Knoxville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Bartlett, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bartlett, TN
$81,420
$39.14/hr
Knoxville, TN
$80,957
$38.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBartlett, TNKnoxville, TN
Median Salary$81,420$80,957
Hourly Rate$39.14$38.92
Entry Level (P10)$57,855$66,032
25th Percentile$67,828$69,456
75th Percentile$90,794$82,648
Top Earner (P90)$105,490$96,470
Total Employed13190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bartlett ($81,420) and Knoxville ($80,957) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BartlettKnoxvilleMedian Salary$81,420$80,957Entry Level (P10)$57,855$66,032Top Earner (P90)$105,490$96,470US Median $100,283

Verdict

Bartlett, TN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.

The salary gap between Bartlett and Knoxville is $463 (0.57%). Bartlett's median is -18.81% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlett spans $47,635,Knoxville spans $30,438. Bartlett has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bartlett
P10 (Entry)$57,855
P25$67,828
Median$81,420
P75$90,794
P90 (Top)$105,490
Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$66,032
P25$69,456
Median$80,957
P75$82,648
P90 (Top)$96,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bartlett ($88,693 effective) pays 1.41% more than Knoxville ($87,456 effective).

Bartlett
Nominal: $81,420
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $88,693
Knoxville
Nominal: $80,957
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $87,456

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bartlett if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,420/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,490)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,693)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Bartlett grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.

Bartlett, TN

+16.6%

$66,474 (2024) → $77,521 (2025)

Knoxville, TN

+38.0%

$55,870 (2019) → $77,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Bartlett or Knoxville?

Bartlett has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $81,420/year, compared to Knoxville at $80,957/year — a difference of $463 (0.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlett and Knoxville?

Bartlett magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.14/hr while Knoxville hygienists earn $38.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bartlett to Knoxville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bartlett and Knoxville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bartlett = $88,693, Knoxville = $87,456), job availability (13 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Bartlett vs Knoxville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $57,855 in Bartlett and $66,032 in Knoxville. The Knoxville 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