MRI Technologist Pay

Florence vs Lexington: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Florence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Florence, KY
$88,739
$42.66/hr
Lexington, KY
$84,455
$40.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFlorence, KYLexington, KY
Median Salary$88,739$84,455
Hourly Rate$42.66$40.60
Entry Level (P10)$65,837$70,202
25th Percentile$75,674$84,266
75th Percentile$96,142$104,694
Top Earner (P90)$112,501$107,141
Total Employed780
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Florence ($88,739) and Lexington ($84,455) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.FlorenceLexingtonMedian Salary$88,739$84,455Entry Level (P10)$65,837$70,202Top Earner (P90)$112,501$107,141US Median $100,283

Verdict

Florence, KY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.

The salary gap between Florence and Lexington is $4,284 (5.07%). Florence's median is -11.51% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $46,664,Lexington spans $36,939. Florence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Florence
P10 (Entry)$65,837
P25$75,674
Median$88,739
P75$96,142
P90 (Top)$112,501
Lexington
P10 (Entry)$70,202
P25$84,266
Median$84,455
P75$104,694
P90 (Top)$107,141

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Florence ($99,372 effective) pays 9.30% more than Lexington ($90,920 effective).

Florence
Nominal: $88,739
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $99,372
Lexington
Nominal: $84,455
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $90,920

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Florence if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,739/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($112,501)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,372)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington if…

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

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Florence grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Lexington over the same period.

Florence, KY

+32.6%

$63,712 (2024) → $84,489 (2025)

Lexington, KY

+23.2%

$65,290 (2019) → $80,410 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Florence or Lexington?

Florence has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,739/year, compared to Lexington at $84,455/year — a difference of $4,284 (5.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Florence and Lexington?

Florence magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.66/hr while Lexington hygienists earn $40.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Florence to Lexington as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Florence and Lexington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Florence = $99,372, Lexington = $90,920), job availability (7 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Florence vs Lexington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $65,837 in Florence and $70,202 in Lexington. The Lexington 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