MRI Technologist Pay

Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elkhart, IN
$90,042
$43.29/hr
Fort Wayne, IN
$87,479
$42.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElkhart, INFort Wayne, IN
Median Salary$90,042$87,479
Hourly Rate$43.29$42.05
Entry Level (P10)$71,914$67,534
25th Percentile$71,914$84,738
75th Percentile$103,486$102,562
Top Earner (P90)$106,710$103,654
Total Employed4080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elkhart ($90,042) and Fort Wayne ($87,479) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ElkhartFort WayneMedian Salary$90,042$87,479Entry Level (P10)$71,914$67,534Top Earner (P90)$106,710$103,654US Median $100,283

Verdict

Elkhart, IN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.

The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $2,563 (2.93%). Elkhart's median is -10.21% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $34,796,Fort Wayne spans $36,120. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Elkhart
P10 (Entry)$71,914
P25$71,914
Median$90,042
P75$103,486
P90 (Top)$106,710
Fort Wayne
P10 (Entry)$67,534
P25$84,738
Median$87,479
P75$102,562
P90 (Top)$103,654

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Elkhart ($99,687 effective) pays 5.49% more than Fort Wayne ($94,498 effective).

Elkhart
Nominal: $90,042
CoL Index: 90.325
Adjusted: $99,687
Fort Wayne
Nominal: $87,479
CoL Index: 92.572
Adjusted: $94,498

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elkhart if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,042/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,710)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,687)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Fort Wayne if…

  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Elkhart grew 51.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.

Elkhart, IN

+51.8%

$56,470 (2019) → $85,730 (2025)

Fort Wayne, IN

+21.6%

$68,490 (2019) → $83,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Elkhart or Fort Wayne?

Elkhart has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $90,042/year, compared to Fort Wayne at $87,479/year — a difference of $2,563 (2.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Fort Wayne?

Elkhart magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.29/hr while Fort Wayne hygienists earn $42.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elkhart to Fort Wayne as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elkhart and Fort Wayne. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elkhart = $99,687, Fort Wayne = $94,498), job availability (40 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Elkhart vs Fort Wayne?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $71,914 in Elkhart and $67,534 in Fort Wayne. The Elkhart 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