MRI Technologist Pay

Detroit vs St. Clair Shores: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Detroit, MI
$90,441
$43.48/hr
St. Clair Shores, MI
$92,910
$44.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MISt. Clair Shores, MI
Median Salary$90,441$92,910
Hourly Rate$43.48$44.67
Entry Level (P10)$80,337$68,611
25th Percentile$85,799$79,630
75th Percentile$96,018$105,837
Top Earner (P90)$100,398$127,481
Total Employed56013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($90,441) and St. Clair Shores ($92,910) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DetroitSt. Clair ShoresMedian Salary$90,441$92,910Entry Level (P10)$80,337$68,611Top Earner (P90)$100,398$127,481US Median $100,283

Verdict

St. Clair Shores, 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 St. Clair Shores is $2,469 (2.73%). St. Clair Shores's median is -7.35% 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,St. Clair Shores spans $58,870. St. Clair Shores 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
St. Clair Shores
P10 (Entry)$68,611
P25$79,630
Median$92,910
P75$105,837
P90 (Top)$127,481

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Clair Shores ($99,689 effective) pays 10.55% more than Detroit ($90,172 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $90,441
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $90,172
St. Clair Shores
Nominal: $92,910
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $99,689

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 St. Clair Shores if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,910/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,481)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,689)
  • 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 St. Clair Shores over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+35.7%

$63,470 (2019) → $86,110 (2025)

St. Clair Shores, MI

+22.4%

$72,266 (2024) → $88,460 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Detroit or St. Clair Shores?

St. Clair Shores has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $92,910/year, compared to Detroit at $90,441/year — a difference of $2,469 (2.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and St. Clair Shores?

Detroit magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.48/hr while St. Clair Shores hygienists earn $44.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to St. Clair Shores as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and St. Clair Shores. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $90,172, St. Clair Shores = $99,689), job availability (560 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Detroit vs St. Clair Shores?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $80,337 in Detroit and $68,611 in St. Clair Shores. 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