MRI Technologist Pay

Charleston vs Conway: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Charleston, SC and Conway, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charleston, SC
$89,559
$43.06/hr
Conway, SC
$87,877
$42.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, SCConway, SC
Median Salary$89,559$87,877
Hourly Rate$43.06$42.25
Entry Level (P10)$69,299$68,774
25th Percentile$81,083$77,213
75th Percentile$98,592$94,878
Top Earner (P90)$98,592$109,402
Total Employed1704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($89,559) and Conway ($87,877) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.CharlestonConwayMedian Salary$89,559$87,877Entry Level (P10)$69,299$68,774Top Earner (P90)$98,592$109,402US Median $100,283

Verdict

Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.

The salary gap between Charleston and Conway is $1,682 (1.91%). Charleston's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $29,293,Conway spans $40,628. Conway has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Charleston
P10 (Entry)$69,299
P25$81,083
Median$89,559
P75$98,592
P90 (Top)$98,592
Conway
P10 (Entry)$68,774
P25$77,213
Median$87,877
P75$94,878
P90 (Top)$109,402

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($96,040 effective) pays 8.27% more than Charleston ($88,706 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $89,559
CoL Index: 100.962
Adjusted: $88,706
Conway
Nominal: $87,877
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $96,040

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,559/year)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Conway if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($109,402)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,040)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Charleston grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.6% growth in Conway over the same period.

Charleston, SC

+28.0%

$66,610 (2019) → $85,270 (2025)

Conway, SC

+37.6%

$60,785 (2024) → $83,668 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Charleston or Conway?

Charleston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $89,559/year, compared to Conway at $87,877/year — a difference of $1,682 (1.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Conway?

Charleston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.06/hr while Conway hygienists earn $42.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charleston to Conway as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Conway. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $88,706, Conway = $96,040), job availability (170 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Charleston vs Conway?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,299 in Charleston and $68,774 in Conway. The Charleston 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