MRI Technologist Pay

East Lansing vs Flint: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

East Lansing, MI
$89,894
$43.22/hr
Flint, MI
$82,753
$39.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEast Lansing, MIFlint, MI
Median Salary$89,894$82,753
Hourly Rate$43.22$39.79
Entry Level (P10)$69,659$48,398
25th Percentile$78,850$81,839
75th Percentile$96,146$84,738
Top Earner (P90)$120,634$91,397
Total Employed850
Side-by-side bar chart comparing East Lansing ($89,894) and Flint ($82,753) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.East LansingFlintMedian Salary$89,894$82,753Entry Level (P10)$69,659$48,398Top Earner (P90)$120,634$91,397US Median $100,283

Verdict

East Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Flint.

The salary gap between East Lansing and Flint is $7,141 (8.63%). East Lansing's median is -10.36% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Lansing spans $50,975,Flint spans $42,999. East Lansing has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

East Lansing
P10 (Entry)$69,659
P25$78,850
Median$89,894
P75$96,146
P90 (Top)$120,634
Flint
P10 (Entry)$48,398
P25$81,839
Median$82,753
P75$84,738
P90 (Top)$91,397

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, East Lansing ($96,453 effective) pays 8.44% more than Flint ($88,949 effective).

East Lansing
Nominal: $89,894
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $96,453
Flint
Nominal: $82,753
CoL Index: 93.034
Adjusted: $88,949

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose East Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,894/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($120,634)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,453)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Flint if…

  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in East Lansing grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 61.1% growth in Flint over the same period.

East Lansing, MI

+22.4%

$69,920 (2024) → $85,589 (2025)

Flint, MI

+61.1%

$48,920 (2021) → $78,790 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: East Lansing or Flint?

East Lansing has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $89,894/year, compared to Flint at $82,753/year — a difference of $7,141 (8.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between East Lansing and Flint?

East Lansing magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.22/hr while Flint hygienists earn $39.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from East Lansing to Flint as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing East Lansing and Flint. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: East Lansing = $96,453, Flint = $88,949), job availability (8 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in East Lansing vs Flint?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,659 in East Lansing and $48,398 in Flint. The East Lansing 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