MRI Technologist Pay

Covington vs Louisville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Covington, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Covington, KY
$88,364
$42.48/hr
Louisville, KY
$97,634
$46.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCovington, KYLouisville, KY
Median Salary$88,364$97,634
Hourly Rate$42.48$46.94
Entry Level (P10)$64,928$65,024
25th Percentile$74,890$78,643
75th Percentile$95,419$110,872
Top Earner (P90)$111,065$134,986
Total Employed9132
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Covington ($88,364) and Louisville ($97,634) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.CovingtonLouisvilleMedian Salary$88,364$97,634Entry Level (P10)$64,928$65,024Top Earner (P90)$111,065$134,986US Median $100,283

Verdict

Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Covington.

The salary gap between Covington and Louisville is $9,270 (10.49%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Covington spans $46,137,Louisville spans $69,962. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Covington
P10 (Entry)$64,928
P25$74,890
Median$88,364
P75$95,419
P90 (Top)$111,065
Louisville
P10 (Entry)$65,024
P25$78,643
Median$97,634
P75$110,872
P90 (Top)$134,986

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($109,333 effective) pays 10.49% more than Covington ($98,952 effective).

Covington
Nominal: $88,364
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $98,952
Louisville
Nominal: $97,634
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $109,333

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Covington if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Louisville if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,634/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($134,986)
  • Larger job market (132 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,333)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Covington grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Louisville over the same period.

Covington, KY

+32.6%

$63,442 (2024) → $84,132 (2025)

Louisville, KY

+32.6%

$70,098 (2024) → $92,958 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Covington or Louisville?

Louisville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $97,634/year, compared to Covington at $88,364/year — a difference of $9,270 (10.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Covington and Louisville?

Covington magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.48/hr while Louisville hygienists earn $46.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Covington to Louisville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Covington and Louisville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Covington = $98,952, Louisville = $109,333), job availability (9 vs 132 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Covington vs Louisville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,928 in Covington and $65,024 in Louisville. The Louisville area offers higher starting salaries.
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