MRI Technologist Pay

Chillicothe vs Columbus: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Chillicothe, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chillicothe, OH
$87,528
$42.09/hr
Columbus, OH
$95,084
$45.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChillicothe, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$87,528$95,084
Hourly Rate$42.09$45.71
Entry Level (P10)$63,662$80,400
25th Percentile$79,081$85,589
75th Percentile$96,415$106,984
Top Earner (P90)$112,483$108,475
Total Employed6380
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chillicothe ($87,528) and Columbus ($95,084) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ChillicotheColumbusMedian Salary$87,528$95,084Entry Level (P10)$63,662$80,400Top Earner (P90)$112,483$108,475US Median $100,283

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chillicothe.

The salary gap between Chillicothe and Columbus is $7,556 (8.63%). Columbus's median is -5.18% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chillicothe spans $48,821,Columbus spans $28,075. Chillicothe has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chillicothe
P10 (Entry)$63,662
P25$79,081
Median$87,528
P75$96,415
P90 (Top)$112,483
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$80,400
P25$85,589
Median$95,084
P75$106,984
P90 (Top)$108,475

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($99,597 effective) pays 3.21% more than Chillicothe ($96,503 effective).

Chillicothe
Nominal: $87,528
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $96,503
Columbus
Nominal: $95,084
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $99,597

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chillicothe if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($112,483)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,084/year)
  • Larger job market (380 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,597)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Chillicothe grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Chillicothe, OH

+28.4%

$64,902 (2024) → $83,336 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+30.0%

$69,650 (2019) → $90,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Chillicothe or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $95,084/year, compared to Chillicothe at $87,528/year — a difference of $7,556 (8.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chillicothe and Columbus?

Chillicothe magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.09/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $45.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chillicothe to Columbus as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chillicothe and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chillicothe = $96,503, Columbus = $99,597), job availability (6 vs 380 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Chillicothe vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,662 in Chillicothe and $80,400 in Columbus. The Columbus 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