MRI Technologist Pay

Fort Worth vs Houston: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Fort Worth, TX
$106,944
$51.41/hr
Houston, TX
$107,729
$51.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFort Worth, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$106,944$107,729
Hourly Rate$51.41$51.79
Entry Level (P10)$76,870$84,623
25th Percentile$90,400$96,071
75th Percentile$123,432$113,506
Top Earner (P90)$151,684$119,986
Total Employed219820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fort Worth ($106,944) and Houston ($107,729) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Fort WorthHoustonMedian Salary$106,944$107,729Entry Level (P10)$76,870$84,623Top Earner (P90)$151,684$119,986US Median $100,283

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Worth.

The salary gap between Fort Worth and Houston is $785 (0.73%). 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 Fort Worth spans $74,814,Houston spans $35,363. Fort Worth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fort Worth
P10 (Entry)$76,870
P25$90,400
Median$106,944
P75$123,432
P90 (Top)$151,684
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, Fort Worth ($111,400 effective) pays 1.99% more than Houston ($109,226 effective).

Fort Worth
Nominal: $106,944
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $111,400
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 Fort Worth if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($151,684)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,400)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,729/year)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Fort Worth grew 20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.6% growth in Houston over the same period.

Fort Worth, TX

+20.6%

$84,463 (2024) → $101,822 (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: Fort Worth or Houston?

Houston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,729/year, compared to Fort Worth at $106,944/year — a difference of $785 (0.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Worth and Houston?

Fort Worth magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.41/hr while Houston hygienists earn $51.79/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fort Worth and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fort Worth = $111,400, Houston = $109,226), job availability (219 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $76,870 in Fort Worth 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