MRI Technologist Pay

Cleveland vs Lima: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Cleveland, OH
$92,080
$44.27/hr
Lima, OH
$91,446
$43.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHLima, OH
Median Salary$92,080$91,446
Hourly Rate$44.27$43.97
Entry Level (P10)$81,724$71,417
25th Percentile$86,765$80,692
75th Percentile$101,554$98,342
Top Earner (P90)$105,083$114,386
Total Employed3808
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($92,080) and Lima ($91,446) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ClevelandLimaMedian Salary$92,080$91,446Entry Level (P10)$81,724$71,417Top Earner (P90)$105,083$114,386US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cleveland and Lima is $634 (0.69%). Cleveland's median is -8.18% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $23,359,Lima spans $42,969. Lima has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$81,724
P25$86,765
Median$92,080
P75$101,554
P90 (Top)$105,083
Lima
P10 (Entry)$71,417
P25$80,692
Median$91,446
P75$98,342
P90 (Top)$114,386

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lima ($100,822 effective) pays 2.84% more than Cleveland ($98,038 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $92,080
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $98,038
Lima
Nominal: $91,446
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $100,822

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,080/year)
  • Larger job market (380 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Lima if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($114,386)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,822)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Cleveland grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Lima over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+26.4%

$69,360 (2019) → $87,670 (2025)

Lima, OH

+28.4%

$67,808 (2024) → $87,067 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Cleveland or Lima?

Cleveland has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $92,080/year, compared to Lima at $91,446/year — a difference of $634 (0.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lima?

Cleveland magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.27/hr while Lima hygienists earn $43.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lima as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Lima. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $98,038, Lima = $100,822), job availability (380 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Cleveland vs Lima?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $81,724 in Cleveland and $71,417 in Lima. The Cleveland 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