MRI Technologist Pay

Charlotte vs Leland: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Leland, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charlotte, NC
$95,504
$45.92/hr
Leland, NC
$81,283
$39.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharlotte, NCLeland, NC
Median Salary$95,504$81,283
Hourly Rate$45.92$39.08
Entry Level (P10)$69,519$64,487
25th Percentile$83,331$72,055
75th Percentile$102,152$89,960
Top Earner (P90)$107,876$102,355
Total Employed2806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charlotte ($95,504) and Leland ($81,283) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.CharlotteLelandMedian Salary$95,504$81,283Entry Level (P10)$69,519$64,487Top Earner (P90)$107,876$102,355US Median $100,283

Verdict

Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leland.

The salary gap between Charlotte and Leland is $14,221 (17.50%). Charlotte's median is -4.77% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $38,357,Leland spans $37,868. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Charlotte
P10 (Entry)$69,519
P25$83,331
Median$95,504
P75$102,152
P90 (Top)$107,876
Leland
P10 (Entry)$64,487
P25$72,055
Median$81,283
P75$89,960
P90 (Top)$102,355

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($98,106 effective) pays 12.97% more than Leland ($86,841 effective).

Charlotte
Nominal: $95,504
CoL Index: 97.348
Adjusted: $98,106
Leland
Nominal: $81,283
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $86,841

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charlotte if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,504/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,876)
  • Larger job market (280 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,106)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Leland if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Charlotte grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Leland over the same period.

Charlotte, NC

+28.4%

$70,810 (2019) → $90,930 (2025)

Leland, NC

+17.2%

$66,057 (2024) → $77,390 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Charlotte or Leland?

Charlotte has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $95,504/year, compared to Leland at $81,283/year — a difference of $14,221 (17.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Leland?

Charlotte magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.92/hr while Leland hygienists earn $39.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charlotte to Leland as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charlotte and Leland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charlotte = $98,106, Leland = $86,841), job availability (280 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Charlotte vs Leland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,519 in Charlotte and $64,487 in Leland. The Charlotte 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