MRI Technologist Pay

Boone vs Charlotte: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Boone, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boone, NC
$83,547
$40.16/hr
Charlotte, NC
$95,504
$45.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoone, NCCharlotte, NC
Median Salary$83,547$95,504
Hourly Rate$40.16$45.92
Entry Level (P10)$62,996$69,519
25th Percentile$71,738$83,331
75th Percentile$88,562$102,152
Top Earner (P90)$101,461$107,876
Total Employed6280
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boone ($83,547) and Charlotte ($95,504) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BooneCharlotteMedian Salary$83,547$95,504Entry Level (P10)$62,996$69,519Top Earner (P90)$101,461$107,876US Median $100,283

Verdict

Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boone.

The salary gap between Boone and Charlotte is $11,957 (14.31%). Charlotte's median is -4.77% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boone spans $38,465,Charlotte spans $38,357. Boone has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boone
P10 (Entry)$62,996
P25$71,738
Median$83,547
P75$88,562
P90 (Top)$101,461
Charlotte
P10 (Entry)$69,519
P25$83,331
Median$95,504
P75$102,152
P90 (Top)$107,876

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($98,106 effective) pays 9.91% more than Boone ($89,260 effective).

Boone
Nominal: $83,547
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $89,260
Charlotte
Nominal: $95,504
CoL Index: 97.348
Adjusted: $98,106

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boone if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Charlotte if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,504/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,876)
  • Larger job market (280 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,106)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Boone grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Charlotte over the same period.

Boone, NC

+17.2%

$67,898 (2024) → $79,546 (2025)

Charlotte, NC

+28.4%

$70,810 (2019) → $90,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Boone or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $95,504/year, compared to Boone at $83,547/year — a difference of $11,957 (14.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boone and Charlotte?

Boone magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $40.16/hr while Charlotte hygienists earn $45.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boone to Charlotte as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boone and Charlotte. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boone = $89,260, Charlotte = $98,106), job availability (6 vs 280 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Boone vs Charlotte?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $62,996 in Boone and $69,519 in Charlotte. The Charlotte 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