MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Bartlett, TN
$81,420
$39.14/hr
Nashville, TN
$86,618
$41.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBartlett, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$81,420$86,618
Hourly Rate$39.14$41.64
Entry Level (P10)$57,855$68,122
25th Percentile$67,828$81,629
75th Percentile$90,794$99,022
Top Earner (P90)$105,490$113,306
Total Employed13350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bartlett ($81,420) and Nashville ($86,618) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BartlettNashvilleMedian Salary$81,420$86,618Entry Level (P10)$57,855$68,122Top Earner (P90)$105,490$113,306US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Bartlett and Nashville is $5,198 (6.38%). Nashville's median is -13.63% 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,Nashville spans $45,184. 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
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$68,122
P25$81,629
Median$86,618
P75$99,022
P90 (Top)$113,306

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($89,911 effective) pays 1.37% more than Bartlett ($88,693 effective).

Bartlett
Nominal: $81,420
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $88,693
Nashville
Nominal: $86,618
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $89,911

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bartlett if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,618/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,306)
  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,911)
  • 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 19.7% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Bartlett, TN

+16.6%

$66,474 (2024) → $77,521 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+19.7%

$68,910 (2019) → $82,470 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nashville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,618/year, compared to Bartlett at $81,420/year — a difference of $5,198 (6.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlett and Nashville?

Bartlett magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.14/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $41.64/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bartlett and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bartlett = $88,693, Nashville = $89,911), job availability (13 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $57,855 in Bartlett and $68,122 in Nashville. The Nashville 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