MRI Technologist Pay

Brentwood vs Memphis: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Brentwood, TN
$78,092
$37.55/hr
Memphis, TN
$84,854
$40.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrentwood, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$78,092$84,854
Hourly Rate$37.55$40.79
Entry Level (P10)$60,885$71,032
25th Percentile$67,036$82,386
75th Percentile$86,719$86,933
Top Earner (P90)$102,468$102,362
Total Employed7270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brentwood ($78,092) and Memphis ($84,854) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BrentwoodMemphisMedian Salary$78,092$84,854Entry Level (P10)$60,885$71,032Top Earner (P90)$102,468$102,362US Median $100,283

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.

The salary gap between Brentwood and Memphis is $6,762 (8.66%). Memphis's median is -15.39% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $41,583,Memphis spans $31,330. Brentwood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brentwood
P10 (Entry)$60,885
P25$67,036
Median$78,092
P75$86,719
P90 (Top)$102,468
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$71,032
P25$82,386
Median$84,854
P75$86,933
P90 (Top)$102,362

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($92,054 effective) pays 8.21% more than Brentwood ($85,068 effective).

Brentwood
Nominal: $78,092
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $85,068
Memphis
Nominal: $84,854
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $92,054

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brentwood if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,468)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,854/year)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,054)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Brentwood grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Brentwood, TN

+16.6%

$63,757 (2024) → $74,352 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+37.1%

$58,920 (2019) → $80,790 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Brentwood or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $84,854/year, compared to Brentwood at $78,092/year — a difference of $6,762 (8.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brentwood and Memphis?

Brentwood magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $37.55/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $40.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brentwood to Memphis as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brentwood and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brentwood = $85,068, Memphis = $92,054), job availability (7 vs 270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Brentwood vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $60,885 in Brentwood and $71,032 in Memphis. The Memphis 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