MRI Technologist Pay

Cedar City vs Salt Lake City: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Cedar City, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cedar City, UT
$97,063
$46.66/hr
Salt Lake City, UT
$95,735
$46.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCedar City, UTSalt Lake City, UT
Median Salary$97,063$95,735
Hourly Rate$46.66$46.02
Entry Level (P10)$71,308$88,404
25th Percentile$86,009$91,607
75th Percentile$104,657$111,342
Top Earner (P90)$122,226$114,682
Total Employed9150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cedar City ($97,063) and Salt Lake City ($95,735) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Cedar CitySalt Lake CityMedian Salary$97,063$95,735Entry Level (P10)$71,308$88,404Top Earner (P90)$122,226$114,682US Median $100,283

Verdict

Cedar City, UT offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salt Lake City.

The salary gap between Cedar City and Salt Lake City is $1,328 (1.39%). Cedar City's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar City spans $50,918,Salt Lake City spans $26,278. Cedar City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cedar City
P10 (Entry)$71,308
P25$86,009
Median$97,063
P75$104,657
P90 (Top)$122,226
Salt Lake City
P10 (Entry)$88,404
P25$91,607
Median$95,735
P75$111,342
P90 (Top)$114,682

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar City ($98,943 effective) pays 4.25% more than Salt Lake City ($94,911 effective).

Cedar City
Nominal: $97,063
CoL Index: 98.1
Adjusted: $98,943
Salt Lake City
Nominal: $95,735
CoL Index: 100.868
Adjusted: $94,911

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cedar City if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,063/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($122,226)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,943)
  • You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle

Choose Salt Lake City if…

  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Cedar City grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.5% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.

Cedar City, UT

+22.4%

$75,496 (2024) → $92,415 (2025)

Salt Lake City, UT

+44.5%

$63,090 (2019) → $91,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Cedar City or Salt Lake City?

Cedar City has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $97,063/year, compared to Salt Lake City at $95,735/year — a difference of $1,328 (1.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar City and Salt Lake City?

Cedar City magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.66/hr while Salt Lake City hygienists earn $46.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cedar City to Salt Lake City as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cedar City and Salt Lake City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cedar City = $98,943, Salt Lake City = $94,911), job availability (9 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Cedar City vs Salt Lake City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $71,308 in Cedar City and $88,404 in Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake City 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