Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,516 | $99,390▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.08 | $47.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,805 | $80,400▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,130 | $84,665▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,428 | $105,681▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,831 | $125,542▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County is $11,874 (13.57%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -0.89% compared to the US national median of $100,283.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $54,026,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $45,142. Elizabethtown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($106,786 effective) pays 8.96% more than Elizabethtown ($98,002 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,390/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,542)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,786)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Elizabethtown grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$62,834 (2024) → $83,325 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$71,550 (2019) → $94,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Elizabethtown or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville/Jefferson County as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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.
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