MRI Technologist Pay

Gulfport vs Jackson: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gulfport, MS
$85,610
$41.16/hr
Jackson, MS
$80,148
$38.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$85,610$80,148
Hourly Rate$41.16$38.54
Entry Level (P10)$59,155$56,538
25th Percentile$70,325$64,110
75th Percentile$94,472$86,891
Top Earner (P90)$117,822$86,891
Total Employed1490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($85,610) and Jackson ($80,148) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GulfportJacksonMedian Salary$85,610$80,148Entry Level (P10)$59,155$56,538Top Earner (P90)$117,822$86,891US Median $100,283

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Gulfport and Jackson is $5,462 (6.81%). Gulfport's median is -14.63% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $58,667,Jackson spans $30,353. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$59,155
P25$70,325
Median$85,610
P75$94,472
P90 (Top)$117,822
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$56,538
P25$64,110
Median$80,148
P75$86,891
P90 (Top)$86,891

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($99,895 effective) pays 10.99% more than Jackson ($90,005 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $85,610
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $99,895
Jackson
Nominal: $80,148
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $90,005

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Higher median salary ($85,610/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($117,822)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,895)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Gulfport grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+19.0%

$68,490 (2019) → $81,510 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+22.6%

$62,220 (2019) → $76,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Gulfport or Jackson?

Gulfport has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $85,610/year, compared to Jackson at $80,148/year — a difference of $5,462 (6.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Jackson?

Gulfport magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.16/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $38.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gulfport to Jackson as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $99,895, Jackson = $90,005), job availability (14 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Gulfport vs Jackson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $59,155 in Gulfport and $56,538 in Jackson. The Gulfport 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