MRI Technologist Pay

Dover vs Wilmington: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Dover, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dover, DE
$87,222
$41.94/hr
Wilmington, DE
$105,349
$50.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDover, DEWilmington, DE
Median Salary$87,222$105,349
Hourly Rate$41.94$50.65
Entry Level (P10)$62,099$75,060
25th Percentile$77,764$87,915
75th Percentile$94,639$115,486
Top Earner (P90)$110,375$136,476
Total Employed710
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dover ($87,222) and Wilmington ($105,349) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DoverWilmingtonMedian Salary$87,222$105,349Entry Level (P10)$62,099$75,060Top Earner (P90)$110,375$136,476US Median $100,283

Verdict

Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.

The salary gap between Dover and Wilmington is $18,127 (20.78%). Wilmington's median is +5.05% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $48,276,Wilmington spans $61,416. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Dover
P10 (Entry)$62,099
P25$77,764
Median$87,222
P75$94,639
P90 (Top)$110,375
Wilmington
P10 (Entry)$75,060
P25$87,915
Median$105,349
P75$115,486
P90 (Top)$136,476

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($103,588 effective) pays 20.78% more than Dover ($85,764 effective).

Dover
Nominal: $87,222
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $85,764
Wilmington
Nominal: $105,349
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $103,588

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dover if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Wilmington if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,349/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,476)
  • Larger job market (10 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,588)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Dover grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.

Dover, DE

+19.4%

$69,580 (2019) → $83,045 (2025)

Wilmington, DE

+19.5%

$83,970 (2024) → $100,304 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Dover or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $105,349/year, compared to Dover at $87,222/year — a difference of $18,127 (20.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Wilmington?

Dover magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.94/hr while Wilmington hygienists earn $50.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dover to Wilmington as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dover and Wilmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dover = $85,764, Wilmington = $103,588), job availability (7 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Dover vs Wilmington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $62,099 in Dover and $75,060 in Wilmington. The Wilmington area offers higher starting salaries.
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