MRI Technologist Pay

Grants Pass vs Portland: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Grants Pass, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Grants Pass, OR
$99,352
$47.77/hr
Portland, OR
$126,719
$60.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrants Pass, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$99,352$126,719
Hourly Rate$47.77$60.92
Entry Level (P10)$77,526$103,728
25th Percentile$87,640$113,170
75th Percentile$110,525$136,739
Top Earner (P90)$130,319$138,713
Total Employed7330
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grants Pass ($99,352) and Portland ($126,719) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Grants PassPortlandMedian Salary$99,352$126,719Entry Level (P10)$77,526$103,728Top Earner (P90)$130,319$138,713US Median $100,283

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grants Pass.

The salary gap between Grants Pass and Portland is $27,367 (27.55%). Portland's median is +26.36% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grants Pass spans $52,793,Portland spans $34,985. Grants Pass has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Grants Pass
P10 (Entry)$77,526
P25$87,640
Median$99,352
P75$110,525
P90 (Top)$130,319
Portland
P10 (Entry)$103,728
P25$113,170
Median$126,719
P75$136,739
P90 (Top)$138,713

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($120,203 effective) pays 24.13% more than Grants Pass ($96,834 effective).

Grants Pass
Nominal: $99,352
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $96,834
Portland
Nominal: $126,719
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $120,203

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grants Pass if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($126,719/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,713)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,203)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Grants Pass grew -6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Portland over the same period.

Grants Pass, OR

+-6.4%

$101,054 (2024) → $94,594 (2025)

Portland, OR

+32.9%

$90,750 (2019) → $120,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Grants Pass or Portland?

Portland has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $126,719/year, compared to Grants Pass at $99,352/year — a difference of $27,367 (27.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grants Pass and Portland?

Grants Pass magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.77/hr while Portland hygienists earn $60.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grants Pass to Portland as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grants Pass and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grants Pass = $96,834, Portland = $120,203), job availability (7 vs 330 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Grants Pass vs Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $77,526 in Grants Pass and $103,728 in Portland. The Portland 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