MRI Technologist Pay

Casa Grande vs Mesa: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Casa Grande, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Casa Grande, AZ
$96,215
$46.26/hr
Mesa, AZ
$102,369
$49.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCasa Grande, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$96,215$102,369
Hourly Rate$46.26$49.22
Entry Level (P10)$68,330$73,843
25th Percentile$80,125$86,735
75th Percentile$107,412$114,527
Top Earner (P90)$127,875$138,454
Total Employed1298
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Casa Grande ($96,215) and Mesa ($102,369) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Casa GrandeMesaMedian Salary$96,215$102,369Entry Level (P10)$68,330$73,843Top Earner (P90)$127,875$138,454US Median $100,283

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Casa Grande.

The salary gap between Casa Grande and Mesa is $6,154 (6.40%). Mesa's median is +2.08% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Casa Grande spans $59,545,Mesa spans $64,611. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Casa Grande
P10 (Entry)$68,330
P25$80,125
Median$96,215
P75$107,412
P90 (Top)$127,875
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$73,843
P25$86,735
Median$102,369
P75$114,527
P90 (Top)$138,454

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($103,928 effective) pays 6.40% more than Casa Grande ($97,680 effective).

Casa Grande
Nominal: $96,215
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $97,680
Mesa
Nominal: $102,369
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $103,928

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Casa Grande if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,369/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,454)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,928)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Casa Grande grew 11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Casa Grande, AZ

+11.0%

$82,511 (2024) → $91,607 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+7.1%

$91,044 (2024) → $97,466 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Casa Grande or Mesa?

Mesa has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $102,369/year, compared to Casa Grande at $96,215/year — a difference of $6,154 (6.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Casa Grande and Mesa?

Casa Grande magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.26/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $49.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Casa Grande to Mesa as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Casa Grande and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Casa Grande = $97,680, Mesa = $103,928), job availability (12 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Casa Grande vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $68,330 in Casa Grande and $73,843 in Mesa. The Mesa 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