MRI Technologist Pay

Germantown vs Silver Spring: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Germantown, MD
$110,332
$53.04/hr
Silver Spring, MD
$106,807
$51.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGermantown, MDSilver Spring, MD
Median Salary$110,332$106,807
Hourly Rate$53.04$51.35
Entry Level (P10)$78,554$79,038
25th Percentile$92,030$91,336
75th Percentile$123,151$121,462
Top Earner (P90)$147,167$142,311
Total Employed2212
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Germantown ($110,332) and Silver Spring ($106,807) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GermantownSilver SpringMedian Salary$110,332$106,807Entry Level (P10)$78,554$79,038Top Earner (P90)$147,167$142,311US Median $100,283

Verdict

Germantown, MD offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Silver Spring.

The salary gap between Germantown and Silver Spring is $3,525 (3.30%). Germantown's median is +10.02% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Germantown spans $68,613,Silver Spring spans $63,273. Germantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Germantown
P10 (Entry)$78,554
P25$92,030
Median$110,332
P75$123,151
P90 (Top)$147,167
Silver Spring
P10 (Entry)$79,038
P25$91,336
Median$106,807
P75$121,462
P90 (Top)$142,311

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Germantown ($100,944 effective) pays 3.30% more than Silver Spring ($97,719 effective).

Germantown
Nominal: $110,332
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $100,944
Silver Spring
Nominal: $106,807
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $97,719

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Germantown if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,332/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($147,167)
  • Larger job market (22 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,944)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Silver Spring if…

  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Germantown, MD

+6.1%

$99,018 (2024) → $105,048 (2025)

Silver Spring, MD

+6.1%

$95,855 (2024) → $101,692 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Germantown has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $110,332/year, compared to Silver Spring at $106,807/year — a difference of $3,525 (3.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Silver Spring?

Germantown magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.04/hr while Silver Spring hygienists earn $51.35/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Germantown and Silver Spring. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Germantown = $100,944, Silver Spring = $97,719), job availability (22 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,554 in Germantown and $79,038 in Silver Spring. The Silver Spring 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