MRI Technologist Pay

Collierville vs Knoxville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Collierville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Collierville, TN
$81,138
$39.01/hr
Knoxville, TN
$80,957
$38.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCollierville, TNKnoxville, TN
Median Salary$81,138$80,957
Hourly Rate$39.01$38.92
Entry Level (P10)$56,864$66,032
25th Percentile$67,251$69,456
75th Percentile$90,137$82,648
Top Earner (P90)$104,552$96,470
Total Employed8190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Collierville ($81,138) and Knoxville ($80,957) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ColliervilleKnoxvilleMedian Salary$81,138$80,957Entry Level (P10)$56,864$66,032Top Earner (P90)$104,552$96,470US Median $100,283

Verdict

Collierville, TN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.

The salary gap between Collierville and Knoxville is $181 (0.22%). Collierville's median is -19.09% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Collierville spans $47,688,Knoxville spans $30,438. Collierville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Collierville
P10 (Entry)$56,864
P25$67,251
Median$81,138
P75$90,137
P90 (Top)$104,552
Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$66,032
P25$69,456
Median$80,957
P75$82,648
P90 (Top)$96,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Collierville ($88,386 effective) pays 1.06% more than Knoxville ($87,456 effective).

Collierville
Nominal: $81,138
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $88,386
Knoxville
Nominal: $80,957
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $87,456

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Collierville if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,138/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,552)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,386)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Collierville grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.

Collierville, TN

+16.6%

$66,244 (2024) → $77,252 (2025)

Knoxville, TN

+38.0%

$55,870 (2019) → $77,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Collierville or Knoxville?

Collierville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $81,138/year, compared to Knoxville at $80,957/year — a difference of $181 (0.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Collierville and Knoxville?

Collierville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.01/hr while Knoxville hygienists earn $38.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Collierville to Knoxville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Collierville and Knoxville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Collierville = $88,386, Knoxville = $87,456), job availability (8 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Collierville vs Knoxville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $56,864 in Collierville and $66,032 in Knoxville. The Knoxville 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