MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Gulfport, MS
$85,610
$41.16/hr
Pearl, MS
$85,128
$40.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSPearl, MS
Median Salary$85,610$85,128
Hourly Rate$41.16$40.93
Entry Level (P10)$59,155$62,742
25th Percentile$70,325$72,554
75th Percentile$94,472$92,190
Top Earner (P90)$117,822$107,856
Total Employed146
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($85,610) and Pearl ($85,128) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GulfportPearlMedian Salary$85,610$85,128Entry Level (P10)$59,155$62,742Top Earner (P90)$117,822$107,856US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Gulfport and Pearl is $482 (0.57%). 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,Pearl spans $45,114. 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
Pearl
P10 (Entry)$62,742
P25$72,554
Median$85,128
P75$92,190
P90 (Top)$107,856

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($99,895 effective) pays 0.57% more than Pearl ($99,333 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $85,610
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $99,895
Pearl
Nominal: $85,128
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $99,333

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)
  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,895)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Pearl if…

  • 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 54.0% growth in Pearl over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+19.0%

$68,490 (2019) → $81,510 (2025)

Pearl, MS

+54.0%

$52,631 (2024) → $81,051 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Gulfport has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $85,610/year, compared to Pearl at $85,128/year — a difference of $482 (0.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Pearl?

Gulfport magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.16/hr while Pearl hygienists earn $40.93/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Pearl. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $99,895, Pearl = $99,333), job availability (14 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $59,155 in Gulfport and $62,742 in Pearl. The Pearl 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