MRI Technologist Pay

Detroit vs Rochester Hills: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Rochester Hills, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$90,441
$43.48/hr
Rochester Hills, MI
$92,858
$44.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIRochester Hills, MI
Median Salary$90,441$92,858
Hourly Rate$43.48$44.65
Entry Level (P10)$80,337$64,151
25th Percentile$85,799$81,556
75th Percentile$96,018$105,858
Top Earner (P90)$100,398$127,068
Total Employed56012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($90,441) and Rochester Hills ($92,858) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DetroitRochester HillsMedian Salary$90,441$92,858Entry Level (P10)$80,337$64,151Top Earner (P90)$100,398$127,068US Median $100,283

Verdict

Rochester Hills, MI offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.

The salary gap between Detroit and Rochester Hills is $2,417 (2.67%). Rochester Hills's median is -7.40% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $20,061,Rochester Hills spans $62,917. Rochester Hills has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$80,337
P25$85,799
Median$90,441
P75$96,018
P90 (Top)$100,398
Rochester Hills
P10 (Entry)$64,151
P25$81,556
Median$92,858
P75$105,858
P90 (Top)$127,068

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester Hills ($99,633 effective) pays 10.49% more than Detroit ($90,172 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $90,441
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $90,172
Rochester Hills
Nominal: $92,858
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $99,633

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Larger job market (560 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Rochester Hills if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,858/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,068)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,633)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Detroit grew 35.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Rochester Hills over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+35.7%

$63,470 (2019) → $86,110 (2025)

Rochester Hills, MI

+22.4%

$72,225 (2024) → $88,411 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Detroit or Rochester Hills?

Rochester Hills has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $92,858/year, compared to Detroit at $90,441/year — a difference of $2,417 (2.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Rochester Hills?

Detroit magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.48/hr while Rochester Hills hygienists earn $44.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Rochester Hills as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Rochester Hills. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $90,172, Rochester Hills = $99,633), job availability (560 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Detroit vs Rochester Hills?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $80,337 in Detroit and $64,151 in Rochester Hills. The Detroit 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