MRI Technologist Pay

Dallas vs McAllen: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Dallas, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$107,645
$51.75/hr
McAllen, TX
$85,757
$41.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXMcAllen, TX
Median Salary$107,645$85,757
Hourly Rate$51.75$41.23
Entry Level (P10)$84,843$67,461
25th Percentile$97,258$75,159
75th Percentile$118,726$96,292
Top Earner (P90)$124,061$98,182
Total Employed95050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($107,645) and McAllen ($85,757) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DallasMcAllenMedian Salary$107,645$85,757Entry Level (P10)$84,843$67,461Top Earner (P90)$124,061$98,182US Median $100,283

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.

The salary gap between Dallas and McAllen is $21,888 (25.52%). Dallas's median is +7.34% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $39,218,McAllen spans $30,721. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$84,843
P25$97,258
Median$107,645
P75$118,726
P90 (Top)$124,061
McAllen
P10 (Entry)$67,461
P25$75,159
Median$85,757
P75$96,292
P90 (Top)$98,182

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($104,418 effective) pays 4.59% more than McAllen ($99,839 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $107,645
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $104,418
McAllen
Nominal: $85,757
CoL Index: 85.895
Adjusted: $99,839

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,645/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($124,061)
  • Larger job market (950 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,418)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose McAllen if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Dallas grew 36.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in McAllen over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+36.7%

$74,970 (2019) → $102,490 (2025)

McAllen, TX

+12.2%

$72,740 (2021) → $81,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Dallas or McAllen?

Dallas has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,645/year, compared to McAllen at $85,757/year — a difference of $21,888 (25.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and McAllen?

Dallas magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.75/hr while McAllen hygienists earn $41.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to McAllen as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and McAllen. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $104,418, McAllen = $99,839), job availability (950 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Dallas vs McAllen?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $84,843 in Dallas and $67,461 in McAllen. The Dallas 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