MRI Technologist Pay

Farmington vs Santa Fe: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Farmington, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Farmington, NM
$93,299
$44.86/hr
Santa Fe, NM
$95,584
$45.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFarmington, NMSanta Fe, NM
Median Salary$93,299$95,584
Hourly Rate$44.86$45.95
Entry Level (P10)$67,976$68,530
25th Percentile$78,935$80,086
75th Percentile$100,475$107,048
Top Earner (P90)$117,283$128,091
Total Employed820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Farmington ($93,299) and Santa Fe ($95,584) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.FarmingtonSanta FeMedian Salary$93,299$95,584Entry Level (P10)$67,976$68,530Top Earner (P90)$117,283$128,091US Median $100,283

Verdict

Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.

The salary gap between Farmington and Santa Fe is $2,285 (2.45%). Santa Fe's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $49,307,Santa Fe spans $59,561. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Farmington
P10 (Entry)$67,976
P25$78,935
Median$93,299
P75$100,475
P90 (Top)$117,283
Santa Fe
P10 (Entry)$68,530
P25$80,086
Median$95,584
P75$107,048
P90 (Top)$128,091

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($101,254 effective) pays 2.45% more than Farmington ($98,834 effective).

Farmington
Nominal: $93,299
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $98,834
Santa Fe
Nominal: $95,584
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $101,254

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Farmington if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Santa Fe if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,584/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,091)
  • Larger job market (20 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,254)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Farmington grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.

Farmington, NM

+32.6%

$66,986 (2024) → $88,831 (2025)

Santa Fe, NM

+32.6%

$68,626 (2024) → $91,006 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Farmington or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $95,584/year, compared to Farmington at $93,299/year — a difference of $2,285 (2.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Santa Fe?

Farmington magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.86/hr while Santa Fe hygienists earn $45.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Farmington to Santa Fe as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Farmington and Santa Fe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Farmington = $98,834, Santa Fe = $101,254), job availability (8 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Farmington vs Santa Fe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,976 in Farmington and $68,530 in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe 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