MRI Technologist Pay

Chambersburg vs Philadelphia: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Chambersburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chambersburg, PA
$85,506
$41.11/hr
Philadelphia, PA
$103,581
$49.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChambersburg, PAPhiladelphia, PA
Median Salary$85,506$103,581
Hourly Rate$41.11$49.79
Entry Level (P10)$64,461$69,414
25th Percentile$73,614$88,918
75th Percentile$92,581$109,158
Top Earner (P90)$107,287$121,226
Total Employed61,160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chambersburg ($85,506) and Philadelphia ($103,581) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ChambersburgPhiladelphiaMedian Salary$85,506$103,581Entry Level (P10)$64,461$69,414Top Earner (P90)$107,287$121,226US Median $100,283

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chambersburg.

The salary gap between Chambersburg and Philadelphia is $18,075 (21.14%). Philadelphia's median is +3.29% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chambersburg spans $42,826,Philadelphia spans $51,812. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Chambersburg
P10 (Entry)$64,461
P25$73,614
Median$85,506
P75$92,581
P90 (Top)$107,287
Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$69,414
P25$88,918
Median$103,581
P75$109,158
P90 (Top)$121,226

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($101,001 effective) pays 15.05% more than Chambersburg ($87,789 effective).

Chambersburg
Nominal: $85,506
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $87,789
Philadelphia
Nominal: $103,581
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $101,001

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chambersburg if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,581/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($121,226)
  • Larger job market (1,160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,001)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Chambersburg grew 4.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.6% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.

Chambersburg, PA

+4.1%

$78,233 (2024) → $81,411 (2025)

Philadelphia, PA

+42.6%

$69,140 (2019) → $98,620 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Chambersburg or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $103,581/year, compared to Chambersburg at $85,506/year — a difference of $18,075 (21.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chambersburg and Philadelphia?

Chambersburg magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.11/hr while Philadelphia hygienists earn $49.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chambersburg to Philadelphia as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chambersburg and Philadelphia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chambersburg = $87,789, Philadelphia = $101,001), job availability (6 vs 1,160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Chambersburg vs Philadelphia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,461 in Chambersburg and $69,414 in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia 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