MRI Technologist Pay

Buffalo vs White Plains: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Buffalo, NY
$94,674
$45.52/hr
White Plains, NY
$102,689
$49.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBuffalo, NYWhite Plains, NY
Median Salary$94,674$102,689
Hourly Rate$45.52$49.37
Entry Level (P10)$69,047$75,806
25th Percentile$83,635$87,676
75th Percentile$104,799$116,799
Top Earner (P90)$111,899$136,332
Total Employed20011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Buffalo ($94,674) and White Plains ($102,689) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BuffaloWhite PlainsMedian Salary$94,674$102,689Entry Level (P10)$69,047$75,806Top Earner (P90)$111,899$136,332US Median $100,283

Verdict

White Plains, 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 White Plains is $8,015 (8.47%). White Plains's median is +2.40% 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,White Plains spans $60,526. White Plains 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
White Plains
P10 (Entry)$75,806
P25$87,676
Median$102,689
P75$116,799
P90 (Top)$136,332

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($98,779 effective) pays 11.49% more than White Plains ($88,601 effective).

Buffalo
Nominal: $94,674
CoL Index: 95.844
Adjusted: $98,779
White Plains
Nominal: $102,689
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $88,601

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 White Plains if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,689/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,332)
  • 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 White Plains over the same period.

Buffalo, NY

+31.1%

$68,770 (2019) → $90,140 (2025)

White Plains, NY

+-9.7%

$108,296 (2024) → $97,771 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

White Plains has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $102,689/year, compared to Buffalo at $94,674/year — a difference of $8,015 (8.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and White Plains?

Buffalo magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.52/hr while White Plains hygienists earn $49.37/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Buffalo and White Plains. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Buffalo = $98,779, White Plains = $88,601), job availability (200 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,047 in Buffalo and $75,806 in White Plains. The White Plains area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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