MRI Technologist Pay

Detroit vs Saginaw: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Detroit, MI
$90,441
$43.48/hr
Saginaw, MI
$92,106
$44.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MISaginaw, MI
Median Salary$90,441$92,106
Hourly Rate$43.48$44.28
Entry Level (P10)$80,337$67,484
25th Percentile$85,799$77,918
75th Percentile$96,018$101,167
Top Earner (P90)$100,398$119,027
Total Employed5607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($90,441) and Saginaw ($92,106) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DetroitSaginawMedian Salary$90,441$92,106Entry Level (P10)$80,337$67,484Top Earner (P90)$100,398$119,027US Median $100,283

Verdict

Saginaw, 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 Saginaw is $1,665 (1.84%). Saginaw's median is -8.15% 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,Saginaw spans $51,543. Saginaw 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
Saginaw
P10 (Entry)$67,484
P25$77,918
Median$92,106
P75$101,167
P90 (Top)$119,027

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Saginaw ($98,826 effective) pays 9.60% more than Detroit ($90,172 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $90,441
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $90,172
Saginaw
Nominal: $92,106
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $98,826

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 Saginaw if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,106/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,027)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,826)
  • 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 Saginaw over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+35.7%

$63,470 (2019) → $86,110 (2025)

Saginaw, MI

+22.4%

$71,641 (2024) → $87,695 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Saginaw has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $92,106/year, compared to Detroit at $90,441/year — a difference of $1,665 (1.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Saginaw?

Detroit magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.48/hr while Saginaw hygienists earn $44.28/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Saginaw. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $90,172, Saginaw = $98,826), job availability (560 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $80,337 in Detroit and $67,484 in Saginaw. 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