MRI Technologist Pay

Hamden vs Hartford: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Hamden, CT and Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hamden, CT
$106,476
$51.19/hr
Hartford, CT
$107,981
$51.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHamden, CTHartford, CT
Median Salary$106,476$107,981
Hourly Rate$51.19$51.92
Entry Level (P10)$80,333$92,847
25th Percentile$92,290$103,244
75th Percentile$116,016$112,046
Top Earner (P90)$147,544$127,769
Total Employed13170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hamden ($106,476) and Hartford ($107,981) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HamdenHartfordMedian Salary$106,476$107,981Entry Level (P10)$80,333$92,847Top Earner (P90)$147,544$127,769US Median $100,283

Verdict

Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hamden.

The salary gap between Hamden and Hartford is $1,505 (1.41%). Hartford's median is +7.68% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hamden spans $67,211,Hartford spans $34,922. Hamden has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hamden
P10 (Entry)$80,333
P25$92,290
Median$106,476
P75$116,016
P90 (Top)$147,544
Hartford
P10 (Entry)$92,847
P25$103,244
Median$107,981
P75$112,046
P90 (Top)$127,769

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($105,095 effective) pays 6.50% more than Hamden ($98,680 effective).

Hamden
Nominal: $106,476
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $98,680
Hartford
Nominal: $107,981
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $105,095

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hamden if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($147,544)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Hartford if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,981/year)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,095)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Hamden grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Hartford over the same period.

Hamden, CT

+1.6%

$99,805 (2024) → $101,377 (2025)

Hartford, CT

+28.8%

$79,820 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Hamden or Hartford?

Hartford has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,981/year, compared to Hamden at $106,476/year — a difference of $1,505 (1.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hamden and Hartford?

Hamden magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.19/hr while Hartford hygienists earn $51.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hamden to Hartford as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hamden and Hartford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hamden = $98,680, Hartford = $105,095), job availability (13 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Hamden vs Hartford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $80,333 in Hamden and $92,847 in Hartford. The Hartford 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