MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Gulfport, MS
$85,610
$41.16/hr
Southaven, MS
$84,542
$40.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSSouthaven, MS
Median Salary$85,610$84,542
Hourly Rate$41.16$40.65
Entry Level (P10)$59,155$63,828
25th Percentile$70,325$73,246
75th Percentile$94,472$92,019
Top Earner (P90)$117,822$108,857
Total Employed1414
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($85,610) and Southaven ($84,542) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.GulfportSouthavenMedian Salary$85,610$84,542Entry Level (P10)$59,155$63,828Top Earner (P90)$117,822$108,857US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Gulfport and Southaven is $1,068 (1.26%). 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,Southaven spans $45,029. 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
Southaven
P10 (Entry)$63,828
P25$73,246
Median$84,542
P75$92,019
P90 (Top)$108,857

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($99,895 effective) pays 1.26% more than Southaven ($98,649 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $85,610
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $99,895
Southaven
Nominal: $84,542
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $98,649

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 Southaven 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 Southaven over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+19.0%

$68,490 (2019) → $81,510 (2025)

Southaven, MS

+54.0%

$52,268 (2024) → $80,493 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Gulfport has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $85,610/year, compared to Southaven at $84,542/year — a difference of $1,068 (1.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Southaven?

Gulfport magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.16/hr while Southaven hygienists earn $40.65/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Southaven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $99,895, Southaven = $98,649), job availability (14 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $59,155 in Gulfport and $63,828 in Southaven. The Southaven 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