MRI Technologist Pay

Bentonville vs Little Rock: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Bentonville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bentonville, AR
$86,091
$41.39/hr
Little Rock, AR
$83,856
$40.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBentonville, ARLittle Rock, AR
Median Salary$86,091$83,856
Hourly Rate$41.39$40.32
Entry Level (P10)$58,694$64,951
25th Percentile$75,026$74,277
75th Percentile$94,276$95,483
Top Earner (P90)$111,362$102,478
Total Employed12150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bentonville ($86,091) and Little Rock ($83,856) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BentonvilleLittle RockMedian Salary$86,091$83,856Entry Level (P10)$58,694$64,951Top Earner (P90)$111,362$102,478US Median $100,283

Verdict

Bentonville, AR offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.

The salary gap between Bentonville and Little Rock is $2,235 (2.67%). Bentonville's median is -14.15% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $52,668,Little Rock spans $37,527. Bentonville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bentonville
P10 (Entry)$58,694
P25$75,026
Median$86,091
P75$94,276
P90 (Top)$111,362
Little Rock
P10 (Entry)$64,951
P25$74,277
Median$83,856
P75$95,483
P90 (Top)$102,478

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bentonville ($99,069 effective) pays 5.58% more than Little Rock ($93,836 effective).

Bentonville
Nominal: $86,091
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $99,069
Little Rock
Nominal: $83,856
CoL Index: 89.364
Adjusted: $93,836

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bentonville if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,091/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,362)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,069)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Little Rock if…

  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Bentonville grew 44.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Little Rock over the same period.

Bentonville, AR

+44.7%

$56,660 (2024) → $81,968 (2025)

Little Rock, AR

+32.0%

$60,470 (2019) → $79,840 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Bentonville or Little Rock?

Bentonville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,091/year, compared to Little Rock at $83,856/year — a difference of $2,235 (2.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Little Rock?

Bentonville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.39/hr while Little Rock hygienists earn $40.32/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bentonville to Little Rock as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bentonville and Little Rock. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bentonville = $99,069, Little Rock = $93,836), job availability (12 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Bentonville vs Little Rock?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $58,694 in Bentonville and $64,951 in Little Rock. The Little Rock 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