MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Dallas, TX
$107,645
$51.75/hr
Pasadena, TX
$106,320
$51.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXPasadena, TX
Median Salary$107,645$106,320
Hourly Rate$51.75$51.12
Entry Level (P10)$84,843$77,575
25th Percentile$97,258$90,357
75th Percentile$118,726$120,266
Top Earner (P90)$124,061$144,790
Total Employed95032
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($107,645) and Pasadena ($106,320) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DallasPasadenaMedian Salary$107,645$106,320Entry Level (P10)$84,843$77,575Top Earner (P90)$124,061$144,790US Median $100,283

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pasadena.

The salary gap between Dallas and Pasadena is $1,325 (1.25%). 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,Pasadena spans $67,215. Pasadena has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$84,843
P25$97,258
Median$107,645
P75$118,726
P90 (Top)$124,061
Pasadena
P10 (Entry)$77,575
P25$90,357
Median$106,320
P75$120,266
P90 (Top)$144,790

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pasadena ($110,750 effective) pays 6.06% more than Dallas ($104,418 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $107,645
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $104,418
Pasadena
Nominal: $106,320
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $110,750

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)
  • Larger job market (950 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Pasadena if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($144,790)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,750)
  • 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 29.0% growth in Pasadena over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+36.7%

$74,970 (2019) → $102,490 (2025)

Pasadena, TX

+29.0%

$78,467 (2024) → $101,228 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dallas has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,645/year, compared to Pasadena at $106,320/year — a difference of $1,325 (1.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Pasadena?

Dallas magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.75/hr while Pasadena hygienists earn $51.12/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Pasadena. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $104,418, Pasadena = $110,750), job availability (950 vs 32 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $84,843 in Dallas and $77,575 in Pasadena. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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