MRI Technologist Pay

Elko vs Reno: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Elko, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elko, NV
$92,237
$44.34/hr
Reno, NV
$112,172
$53.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElko, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$92,237$112,172
Hourly Rate$44.34$53.93
Entry Level (P10)$73,957$94,002
25th Percentile$82,625$107,477
75th Percentile$97,526$130,216
Top Earner (P90)$111,946$135,825
Total Employed480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elko ($92,237) and Reno ($112,172) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ElkoRenoMedian Salary$92,237$112,172Entry Level (P10)$73,957$94,002Top Earner (P90)$111,946$135,825US Median $100,283

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elko.

The salary gap between Elko and Reno is $19,935 (21.61%). Reno's median is +11.86% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $37,989,Reno spans $41,823. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Elko
P10 (Entry)$73,957
P25$82,625
Median$92,237
P75$97,526
P90 (Top)$111,946
Reno
P10 (Entry)$94,002
P25$107,477
Median$112,172
P75$130,216
P90 (Top)$135,825

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($111,046 effective) pays 18.35% more than Elko ($93,832 effective).

Elko
Nominal: $92,237
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $93,832
Reno
Nominal: $112,172
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $111,046

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elko if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,172/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($135,825)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,046)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Elko grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Reno over the same period.

Elko, NV

+8.5%

$80,940 (2024) → $87,820 (2025)

Reno, NV

+37.5%

$77,670 (2020) → $106,800 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Elko or Reno?

Reno has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $112,172/year, compared to Elko at $92,237/year — a difference of $19,935 (21.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Reno?

Elko magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.34/hr while Reno hygienists earn $53.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elko to Reno as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elko and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elko = $93,832, Reno = $111,046), job availability (4 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Elko vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,957 in Elko and $94,002 in Reno. The Reno 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