MRI Technologist Pay

Buffalo vs Oswego: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Oswego, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Buffalo, NY
$94,674
$45.52/hr
Oswego, NY
$98,947
$47.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBuffalo, NYOswego, NY
Median Salary$94,674$98,947
Hourly Rate$45.52$47.57
Entry Level (P10)$69,047$79,727
25th Percentile$83,635$86,684
75th Percentile$104,799$108,543
Top Earner (P90)$111,899$126,428
Total Employed2005
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Buffalo ($94,674) and Oswego ($98,947) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BuffaloOswegoMedian Salary$94,674$98,947Entry Level (P10)$69,047$79,727Top Earner (P90)$111,899$126,428US Median $100,283

Verdict

Oswego, NY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.

The salary gap between Buffalo and Oswego is $4,273 (4.51%). Oswego's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $42,852,Oswego spans $46,701. Oswego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Buffalo
P10 (Entry)$69,047
P25$83,635
Median$94,674
P75$104,799
P90 (Top)$111,899
Oswego
P10 (Entry)$79,727
P25$86,684
Median$98,947
P75$108,543
P90 (Top)$126,428

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($98,779 effective) pays 15.70% more than Oswego ($85,373 effective).

Buffalo
Nominal: $94,674
CoL Index: 95.844
Adjusted: $98,779
Oswego
Nominal: $98,947
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $85,373

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Buffalo if…

  • Larger job market (200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,779)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Oswego if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,947/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,428)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Buffalo grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.7% growth in Oswego over the same period.

Buffalo, NY

+31.1%

$68,770 (2019) → $90,140 (2025)

Oswego, NY

+-9.7%

$104,350 (2024) → $94,208 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Buffalo or Oswego?

Oswego has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $98,947/year, compared to Buffalo at $94,674/year — a difference of $4,273 (4.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Oswego?

Buffalo magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.52/hr while Oswego hygienists earn $47.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Buffalo to Oswego as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Buffalo and Oswego. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Buffalo = $98,779, Oswego = $85,373), job availability (200 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Buffalo vs Oswego?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,047 in Buffalo and $79,727 in Oswego. The Oswego 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