MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Columbus, OH
$95,084
$45.71/hr
Westerville, OH
$91,728
$44.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHWesterville, OH
Median Salary$95,084$91,728
Hourly Rate$45.71$44.10
Entry Level (P10)$80,400$67,401
25th Percentile$85,589$77,740
75th Percentile$106,984$98,913
Top Earner (P90)$108,475$115,521
Total Employed3808
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($95,084) and Westerville ($91,728) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ColumbusWestervilleMedian Salary$95,084$91,728Entry Level (P10)$80,400$67,401Top Earner (P90)$108,475$115,521US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Westerville is $3,356 (3.66%). 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 Columbus spans $28,075,Westerville spans $48,120. Westerville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$80,400
P25$85,589
Median$95,084
P75$106,984
P90 (Top)$108,475
Westerville
P10 (Entry)$67,401
P25$77,740
Median$91,728
P75$98,913
P90 (Top)$115,521

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Westerville ($101,133 effective) pays 1.54% more than Columbus ($99,597 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $95,084
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $99,597
Westerville
Nominal: $91,728
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $101,133

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,084/year)
  • Larger job market (380 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Westerville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($115,521)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,133)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Columbus grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Westerville over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+30.0%

$69,650 (2019) → $90,530 (2025)

Westerville, OH

+28.4%

$68,017 (2024) → $87,335 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $95,084/year, compared to Westerville at $91,728/year — a difference of $3,356 (3.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Westerville?

Columbus magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.71/hr while Westerville hygienists earn $44.10/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Westerville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $99,597, Westerville = $101,133), job availability (380 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $80,400 in Columbus and $67,401 in Westerville. 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