MRI Technologist Pay

Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
$94,365
$45.37/hr
Orlando, FL
$88,204
$42.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFort Lauderdale, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$94,365$88,204
Hourly Rate$45.37$42.41
Entry Level (P10)$68,639$71,641
25th Percentile$80,036$83,121
75th Percentile$108,518$103,297
Top Earner (P90)$128,480$104,610
Total Employed29350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fort Lauderdale ($94,365) and Orlando ($88,204) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Fort LauderdaleOrlandoMedian Salary$94,365$88,204Entry Level (P10)$68,639$71,641Top Earner (P90)$128,480$104,610US Median $100,283

Verdict

Fort Lauderdale, FL offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.

The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando is $6,161 (6.98%). Fort Lauderdale's median is -5.90% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Lauderdale spans $59,841,Orlando spans $32,969. Fort Lauderdale has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fort Lauderdale
P10 (Entry)$68,639
P25$80,036
Median$94,365
P75$108,518
P90 (Top)$128,480
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$71,641
P25$83,121
Median$88,204
P75$103,297
P90 (Top)$104,610

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Lauderdale ($93,616 effective) pays 7.64% more than Orlando ($86,971 effective).

Fort Lauderdale
Nominal: $94,365
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $93,616
Orlando
Nominal: $88,204
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $86,971

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fort Lauderdale if…

  • Higher median salary ($94,365/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,480)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,616)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Fort Lauderdale grew 21.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

+21.0%

$74,244 (2024) → $89,846 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+19.6%

$70,220 (2019) → $83,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Fort Lauderdale or Orlando?

Fort Lauderdale has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $94,365/year, compared to Orlando at $88,204/year — a difference of $6,161 (6.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando?

Fort Lauderdale magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.37/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $42.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fort Lauderdale = $93,616, Orlando = $86,971), job availability (29 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $68,639 in Fort Lauderdale and $71,641 in Orlando. The Orlando 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