MRI Technologist Pay

Grapevine vs Houston: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Grapevine, TX
$91,919
$44.20/hr
Houston, TX
$107,729
$51.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrapevine, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$91,919$107,729
Hourly Rate$44.20$51.79
Entry Level (P10)$67,457$84,623
25th Percentile$78,181$96,071
75th Percentile$104,108$113,506
Top Earner (P90)$125,122$119,986
Total Employed12820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grapevine ($91,919) and Houston ($107,729) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GrapevineHoustonMedian Salary$91,919$107,729Entry Level (P10)$67,457$84,623Top Earner (P90)$125,122$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 Grapevine.

The salary gap between Grapevine and Houston is $15,810 (17.20%). 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 Grapevine spans $57,665,Houston spans $35,363. Grapevine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Grapevine
P10 (Entry)$67,457
P25$78,181
Median$91,919
P75$104,108
P90 (Top)$125,122
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, Houston ($109,226 effective) pays 14.08% more than Grapevine ($95,749 effective).

Grapevine
Nominal: $91,919
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $95,749
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 Grapevine if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($125,122)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,729/year)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,226)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Grapevine grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.6% growth in Houston over the same period.

Grapevine, TX

+14.5%

$76,408 (2024) → $87,517 (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: Grapevine or Houston?

Houston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,729/year, compared to Grapevine at $91,919/year — a difference of $15,810 (17.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grapevine and Houston?

Grapevine magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.20/hr while Houston hygienists earn $51.79/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grapevine and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grapevine = $95,749, Houston = $109,226), job availability (12 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,457 in Grapevine 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