MRI Technologist Pay

Gaithersburg vs Germantown: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Germantown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gaithersburg, MD
$110,410
$53.08/hr
Germantown, MD
$110,332
$53.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGaithersburg, MDGermantown, MD
Median Salary$110,410$110,332
Hourly Rate$53.08$53.04
Entry Level (P10)$78,736$78,554
25th Percentile$92,191$92,030
75th Percentile$123,503$123,151
Top Earner (P90)$143,119$147,167
Total Employed1422
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gaithersburg ($110,410) and Germantown ($110,332) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GaithersburgGermantownMedian Salary$110,410$110,332Entry Level (P10)$78,736$78,554Top Earner (P90)$143,119$147,167US Median $100,283

Verdict

Gaithersburg and Germantown are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Germantown is $78 (0.07%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $64,383,Germantown spans $68,613. Germantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Gaithersburg
P10 (Entry)$78,736
P25$92,191
Median$110,410
P75$123,503
P90 (Top)$143,119
Germantown
P10 (Entry)$78,554
P25$92,030
Median$110,332
P75$123,151
P90 (Top)$147,167

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gaithersburg ($101,016 effective) pays 0.07% more than Germantown ($100,944 effective).

Gaithersburg
Nominal: $110,410
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $101,016
Germantown
Nominal: $110,332
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $100,944

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gaithersburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,410/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,016)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Germantown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($147,167)
  • Larger job market (22 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Gaithersburg grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Germantown over the same period.

Gaithersburg, MD

+6.1%

$99,089 (2024) → $105,122 (2025)

Germantown, MD

+6.1%

$99,018 (2024) → $105,048 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Gaithersburg or Germantown?

Gaithersburg has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $110,410/year, compared to Germantown at $110,332/year — a difference of $78 (0.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gaithersburg and Germantown?

Gaithersburg magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.08/hr while Germantown hygienists earn $53.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gaithersburg to Germantown as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gaithersburg and Germantown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gaithersburg = $101,016, Germantown = $100,944), job availability (14 vs 22 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Gaithersburg vs Germantown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,736 in Gaithersburg and $78,554 in Germantown. The Gaithersburg 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