MRI Technologist Pay

Carmel vs Indianapolis: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Carmel, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Carmel, IN
$91,950
$44.21/hr
Indianapolis, IN
$92,762
$44.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCarmel, INIndianapolis, IN
Median Salary$91,950$92,762
Hourly Rate$44.21$44.60
Entry Level (P10)$69,068$70,066
25th Percentile$79,398$84,066
75th Percentile$103,321$106,227
Top Earner (P90)$123,796$107,855
Total Employed15300
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Carmel ($91,950) and Indianapolis ($92,762) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.CarmelIndianapolisMedian Salary$91,950$92,762Entry Level (P10)$69,068$70,066Top Earner (P90)$123,796$107,855US Median $100,283

Verdict

Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carmel.

The salary gap between Carmel and Indianapolis is $812 (0.88%). Indianapolis's median is -7.50% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $54,728,Indianapolis spans $37,789. Carmel has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Carmel
P10 (Entry)$69,068
P25$79,398
Median$91,950
P75$103,321
P90 (Top)$123,796
Indianapolis
P10 (Entry)$70,066
P25$84,066
Median$92,762
P75$106,227
P90 (Top)$107,855

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Carmel ($100,712 effective) pays 3.90% more than Indianapolis ($96,934 effective).

Carmel
Nominal: $91,950
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $100,712
Indianapolis
Nominal: $92,762
CoL Index: 95.696
Adjusted: $96,934

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Carmel if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($123,796)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,712)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Indianapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,762/year)
  • Larger job market (300 employed)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Carmel grew 32.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.

Carmel, IN

+32.0%

$66,300 (2024) → $87,546 (2025)

Indianapolis, IN

+26.0%

$70,110 (2019) → $88,320 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Carmel or Indianapolis?

Indianapolis has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $92,762/year, compared to Carmel at $91,950/year — a difference of $812 (0.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Carmel and Indianapolis?

Carmel magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.21/hr while Indianapolis hygienists earn $44.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Carmel to Indianapolis as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Carmel and Indianapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Carmel = $100,712, Indianapolis = $96,934), job availability (15 vs 300 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Carmel vs Indianapolis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,068 in Carmel and $70,066 in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis area offers higher starting salaries.
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