MRI Technologist Pay

Boise vs Caldwell: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Boise, ID and Caldwell, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boise, ID
$99,062
$47.63/hr
Caldwell, ID
$96,320
$46.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoise, IDCaldwell, ID
Median Salary$99,062$96,320
Hourly Rate$47.63$46.31
Entry Level (P10)$65,505$65,964
25th Percentile$79,432$84,162
75th Percentile$112,074$105,551
Top Earner (P90)$136,245$125,209
Total Employed608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boise ($99,062) and Caldwell ($96,320) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BoiseCaldwellMedian Salary$99,062$96,320Entry Level (P10)$65,505$65,964Top Earner (P90)$136,245$125,209US Median $100,283

Verdict

Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caldwell.

The salary gap between Boise and Caldwell is $2,742 (2.85%). Boise's median is -1.22% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $70,740,Caldwell spans $59,245. Boise has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boise
P10 (Entry)$65,505
P25$79,432
Median$99,062
P75$112,074
P90 (Top)$136,245
Caldwell
P10 (Entry)$65,964
P25$84,162
Median$96,320
P75$105,551
P90 (Top)$125,209

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise ($103,948 effective) pays 2.85% more than Caldwell ($101,070 effective).

Boise
Nominal: $99,062
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $103,948
Caldwell
Nominal: $96,320
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $101,070

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boise if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,062/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,245)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,948)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Caldwell if…

  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Boise grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Caldwell over the same period.

Boise, ID

+22.4%

$77,051 (2024) → $94,318 (2025)

Caldwell, ID

+22.4%

$74,918 (2024) → $91,707 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Boise or Caldwell?

Boise has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $99,062/year, compared to Caldwell at $96,320/year — a difference of $2,742 (2.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Caldwell?

Boise magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.63/hr while Caldwell hygienists earn $46.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boise to Caldwell as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boise and Caldwell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boise = $103,948, Caldwell = $101,070), job availability (60 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Boise vs Caldwell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $65,505 in Boise and $65,964 in Caldwell. The Caldwell 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