MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Germantown, MD
$110,332
$53.04/hr
Wheaton, MD
$109,594
$52.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGermantown, MDWheaton, MD
Median Salary$110,332$109,594
Hourly Rate$53.04$52.69
Entry Level (P10)$78,554$76,836
25th Percentile$92,030$90,520
75th Percentile$123,151$121,433
Top Earner (P90)$147,167$144,691
Total Employed2211
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Germantown ($110,332) and Wheaton ($109,594) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GermantownWheatonMedian Salary$110,332$109,594Entry Level (P10)$78,554$76,836Top Earner (P90)$147,167$144,691US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Germantown and Wheaton is $738 (0.67%). 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,Wheaton spans $67,855. 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
Wheaton
P10 (Entry)$76,836
P25$90,520
Median$109,594
P75$121,433
P90 (Top)$144,691

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Germantown ($100,944 effective) pays 0.67% more than Wheaton ($100,269 effective).

Germantown
Nominal: $110,332
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $100,944
Wheaton
Nominal: $109,594
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $100,269

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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton over the same period.

Germantown, MD

+6.1%

$99,018 (2024) → $105,048 (2025)

Wheaton, MD

+6.1%

$98,356 (2024) → $104,345 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Germantown has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $110,332/year, compared to Wheaton at $109,594/year — a difference of $738 (0.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Wheaton?

Germantown magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.04/hr while Wheaton hygienists earn $52.69/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Germantown and Wheaton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Germantown = $100,944, Wheaton = $100,269), job availability (22 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,554 in Germantown and $76,836 in Wheaton. The Germantown 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