MRI Technologist Pay

Charleston vs Goose Creek: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Charleston, SC
$89,559
$43.06/hr
Goose Creek, SC
$88,112
$42.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, SCGoose Creek, SC
Median Salary$89,559$88,112
Hourly Rate$43.06$42.36
Entry Level (P10)$69,299$68,046
25th Percentile$81,083$75,156
75th Percentile$98,592$97,380
Top Earner (P90)$98,592$114,850
Total Employed17011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($89,559) and Goose Creek ($88,112) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.CharlestonGoose CreekMedian Salary$89,559$88,112Entry Level (P10)$69,299$68,046Top Earner (P90)$98,592$114,850US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Charleston and Goose Creek is $1,447 (1.64%). 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,Goose Creek spans $46,804. Goose Creek 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
Goose Creek
P10 (Entry)$68,046
P25$75,156
Median$88,112
P75$97,380
P90 (Top)$114,850

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Goose Creek ($96,297 effective) pays 8.56% more than Charleston ($88,706 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $89,559
CoL Index: 100.962
Adjusted: $88,706
Goose Creek
Nominal: $88,112
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $96,297

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 Goose Creek if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($114,850)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,297)
  • 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 32.6% growth in Goose Creek over the same period.

Charleston, SC

+28.0%

$66,610 (2019) → $85,270 (2025)

Goose Creek, SC

+32.6%

$63,262 (2024) → $83,892 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Charleston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $89,559/year, compared to Goose Creek at $88,112/year — a difference of $1,447 (1.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Goose Creek?

Charleston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.06/hr while Goose Creek hygienists earn $42.36/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Goose Creek. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $88,706, Goose Creek = $96,297), job availability (170 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,299 in Charleston and $68,046 in Goose Creek. 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