MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Brentwood, TN
$78,092
$37.55/hr
Nashville, TN
$86,618
$41.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrentwood, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$78,092$86,618
Hourly Rate$37.55$41.64
Entry Level (P10)$60,885$68,122
25th Percentile$67,036$81,629
75th Percentile$86,719$99,022
Top Earner (P90)$102,468$113,306
Total Employed7350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brentwood ($78,092) and Nashville ($86,618) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BrentwoodNashvilleMedian Salary$78,092$86,618Entry Level (P10)$60,885$68,122Top Earner (P90)$102,468$113,306US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Brentwood and Nashville is $8,526 (10.92%). Nashville's median is -13.63% 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,Nashville spans $45,184. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Brentwood
P10 (Entry)$60,885
P25$67,036
Median$78,092
P75$86,719
P90 (Top)$102,468
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$68,122
P25$81,629
Median$86,618
P75$99,022
P90 (Top)$113,306

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($89,911 effective) pays 5.69% more than Brentwood ($85,068 effective).

Brentwood
Nominal: $78,092
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $85,068
Nashville
Nominal: $86,618
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $89,911

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brentwood if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,618/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,306)
  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,911)
  • 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 19.7% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Brentwood, TN

+16.6%

$63,757 (2024) → $74,352 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+19.7%

$68,910 (2019) → $82,470 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nashville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,618/year, compared to Brentwood at $78,092/year — a difference of $8,526 (10.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brentwood and Nashville?

Brentwood magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $37.55/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $41.64/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brentwood and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brentwood = $85,068, Nashville = $89,911), job availability (7 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $60,885 in Brentwood and $68,122 in Nashville. The Nashville 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