MRI Technologist Pay

Fargo vs Mandan: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Fargo, ND and Mandan, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fargo, ND
$82,743
$39.79/hr
Mandan, ND
$86,229
$41.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFargo, NDMandan, ND
Median Salary$82,743$86,229
Hourly Rate$39.79$41.46
Entry Level (P10)$72,660$69,350
25th Percentile$72,660$75,175
75th Percentile$84,665$94,375
Top Earner (P90)$84,665$109,413
Total Employed306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fargo ($82,743) and Mandan ($86,229) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.FargoMandanMedian Salary$82,743$86,229Entry Level (P10)$72,660$69,350Top Earner (P90)$84,665$109,413US Median $100,283

Verdict

Mandan, ND offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.

The salary gap between Fargo and Mandan is $3,486 (4.21%). Mandan's median is -14.01% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $12,005,Mandan spans $40,063. Mandan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Fargo
P10 (Entry)$72,660
P25$72,660
Median$82,743
P75$84,665
P90 (Top)$84,665
Mandan
P10 (Entry)$69,350
P25$75,175
Median$86,229
P75$94,375
P90 (Top)$109,413

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mandan ($93,727 effective) pays 2.93% more than Fargo ($91,055 effective).

Fargo
Nominal: $82,743
CoL Index: 90.871
Adjusted: $91,055
Mandan
Nominal: $86,229
CoL Index: 92
Adjusted: $93,727

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fargo if…

  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle

Choose Mandan if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,229/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($109,413)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,727)
  • You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Fargo grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Mandan over the same period.

Fargo, ND

+31.5%

$59,920 (2019) → $78,780 (2025)

Mandan, ND

+22.4%

$67,069 (2024) → $82,099 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Fargo or Mandan?

Mandan has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,229/year, compared to Fargo at $82,743/year — a difference of $3,486 (4.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Mandan?

Fargo magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.79/hr while Mandan hygienists earn $41.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fargo to Mandan as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fargo and Mandan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fargo = $91,055, Mandan = $93,727), job availability (30 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Fargo vs Mandan?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $72,660 in Fargo and $69,350 in Mandan. The Fargo 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