MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Charlotte, NC
$95,504
$45.92/hr
Winston, NC
$91,240
$43.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharlotte, NCWinston, NC
Median Salary$95,504$91,240
Hourly Rate$45.92$43.87
Entry Level (P10)$69,519$80,957
25th Percentile$83,331$83,457
75th Percentile$102,152$102,961
Top Earner (P90)$107,876$110,250
Total Employed280130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charlotte ($95,504) and Winston ($91,240) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.CharlotteWinstonMedian Salary$95,504$91,240Entry Level (P10)$69,519$80,957Top Earner (P90)$107,876$110,250US Median $100,283

Verdict

Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston.

The salary gap between Charlotte and Winston is $4,264 (4.67%). 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,Winston spans $29,293. 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
Winston
P10 (Entry)$80,957
P25$83,457
Median$91,240
P75$102,961
P90 (Top)$110,250

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston ($99,128 effective) pays 1.04% more than Charlotte ($98,106 effective).

Charlotte
Nominal: $95,504
CoL Index: 97.348
Adjusted: $98,106
Winston
Nominal: $91,240
CoL Index: 92.043
Adjusted: $99,128

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)
  • Larger job market (280 employed)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Winston if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($110,250)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,128)
  • 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 18.4% growth in Winston over the same period.

Charlotte, NC

+28.4%

$70,810 (2019) → $90,930 (2025)

Winston, NC

+18.4%

$73,400 (2019) → $86,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Charlotte has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $95,504/year, compared to Winston at $91,240/year — a difference of $4,264 (4.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Winston?

Charlotte magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.92/hr while Winston hygienists earn $43.87/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charlotte and Winston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charlotte = $98,106, Winston = $99,128), job availability (280 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,519 in Charlotte and $80,957 in Winston. The Winston 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