MRI Technologist Pay

Bullhead City vs Tucson: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Bullhead City, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bullhead City, AZ
$96,202
$46.26/hr
Tucson, AZ
$111,458
$53.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBullhead City, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$96,202$111,458
Hourly Rate$46.26$53.59
Entry Level (P10)$73,227$83,247
25th Percentile$83,708$105,681
75th Percentile$107,921$111,458
Top Earner (P90)$128,024$125,469
Total Employed980
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bullhead City ($96,202) and Tucson ($111,458) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Bullhead CityTucsonMedian Salary$96,202$111,458Entry Level (P10)$73,227$83,247Top Earner (P90)$128,024$125,469US Median $100,283

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bullhead City.

The salary gap between Bullhead City and Tucson is $15,256 (15.86%). Tucson's median is +11.14% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bullhead City spans $54,797,Tucson spans $42,222. Bullhead City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bullhead City
P10 (Entry)$73,227
P25$83,708
Median$96,202
P75$107,921
P90 (Top)$128,024
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$83,247
P25$105,681
Median$111,458
P75$111,458
P90 (Top)$125,469

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($115,028 effective) pays 17.78% more than Bullhead City ($97,667 effective).

Bullhead City
Nominal: $96,202
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $97,667
Tucson
Nominal: $111,458
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $115,028

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bullhead City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($128,024)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,458/year)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,028)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Bullhead City grew 11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Bullhead City, AZ

+11.0%

$82,501 (2024) → $91,595 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+31.8%

$80,500 (2019) → $106,120 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Bullhead City or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $111,458/year, compared to Bullhead City at $96,202/year — a difference of $15,256 (15.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bullhead City and Tucson?

Bullhead City magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.26/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $53.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bullhead City to Tucson as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bullhead City and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bullhead City = $97,667, Tucson = $115,028), job availability (9 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Bullhead City vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,227 in Bullhead City and $83,247 in Tucson. The Tucson 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