MRI Technologist Pay

Bedford vs Manchester: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Bedford, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bedford, NH
$101,346
$48.72/hr
Manchester, NH
$110,775
$53.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBedford, NHManchester, NH
Median Salary$101,346$110,775
Hourly Rate$48.72$53.26
Entry Level (P10)$73,767$85,211
25th Percentile$91,606$91,586
75th Percentile$111,674$111,279
Top Earner (P90)$130,301$123,473
Total Employed6120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bedford ($101,346) and Manchester ($110,775) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BedfordManchesterMedian Salary$101,346$110,775Entry Level (P10)$73,767$85,211Top Earner (P90)$130,301$123,473US Median $100,283

Verdict

Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bedford.

The salary gap between Bedford and Manchester is $9,429 (9.30%). Manchester's median is +10.46% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bedford spans $56,534,Manchester spans $38,262. Bedford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bedford
P10 (Entry)$73,767
P25$91,606
Median$101,346
P75$111,674
P90 (Top)$130,301
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$85,211
P25$91,586
Median$110,775
P75$111,279
P90 (Top)$123,473

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($104,844 effective) pays 11.00% more than Bedford ($94,451 effective).

Bedford
Nominal: $101,346
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $94,451
Manchester
Nominal: $110,775
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $104,844

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bedford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($130,301)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,775/year)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,844)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Bedford grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Bedford, NH

+8.5%

$88,933 (2024) → $96,492 (2025)

Manchester, NH

+31.6%

$80,130 (2019) → $105,470 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Bedford or Manchester?

Manchester has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $110,775/year, compared to Bedford at $101,346/year — a difference of $9,429 (9.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bedford and Manchester?

Bedford magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $48.72/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $53.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bedford to Manchester as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bedford and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bedford = $94,451, Manchester = $104,844), job availability (6 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Bedford vs Manchester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,767 in Bedford and $85,211 in Manchester. The Manchester 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