MRI Technologist Pay

Forney vs Houston: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Forney, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Forney, TX
$92,862
$44.65/hr
Houston, TX
$107,729
$51.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricForney, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$92,862$107,729
Hourly Rate$44.65$51.79
Entry Level (P10)$67,266$84,623
25th Percentile$77,987$96,071
75th Percentile$101,444$113,506
Top Earner (P90)$119,097$119,986
Total Employed6820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Forney ($92,862) and Houston ($107,729) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ForneyHoustonMedian Salary$92,862$107,729Entry Level (P10)$67,266$84,623Top Earner (P90)$119,097$119,986US Median $100,283

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Forney.

The salary gap between Forney and Houston is $14,867 (16.01%). Houston's median is +7.42% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forney spans $51,831,Houston spans $35,363. Forney has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Forney
P10 (Entry)$67,266
P25$77,987
Median$92,862
P75$101,444
P90 (Top)$119,097
Houston
P10 (Entry)$84,623
P25$96,071
Median$107,729
P75$113,506
P90 (Top)$119,986

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($109,226 effective) pays 12.92% more than Forney ($96,731 effective).

Forney
Nominal: $92,862
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $96,731
Houston
Nominal: $107,729
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $109,226

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Forney if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,729/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,986)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,226)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Forney grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.6% growth in Houston over the same period.

Forney, TX

+14.5%

$77,192 (2024) → $88,415 (2025)

Houston, TX

+36.6%

$75,070 (2020) → $102,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Forney or Houston?

Houston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,729/year, compared to Forney at $92,862/year — a difference of $14,867 (16.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Forney and Houston?

Forney magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.65/hr while Houston hygienists earn $51.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Forney to Houston as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Forney and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Forney = $96,731, Houston = $109,226), job availability (6 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Forney vs Houston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,266 in Forney and $84,623 in Houston. The Houston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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