MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Hartford, CT
$107,981
$51.92/hr
Manchester, CT
$109,124
$52.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHartford, CTManchester, CT
Median Salary$107,981$109,124
Hourly Rate$51.92$52.46
Entry Level (P10)$92,847$77,583
25th Percentile$103,244$91,274
75th Percentile$112,046$122,054
Top Earner (P90)$127,769$145,975
Total Employed17011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hartford ($107,981) and Manchester ($109,124) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HartfordManchesterMedian Salary$107,981$109,124Entry Level (P10)$92,847$77,583Top Earner (P90)$127,769$145,975US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Hartford and Manchester is $1,143 (1.06%). Manchester's median is +8.82% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $34,922,Manchester spans $68,392. Manchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Hartford
P10 (Entry)$92,847
P25$103,244
Median$107,981
P75$112,046
P90 (Top)$127,769
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$77,583
P25$91,274
Median$109,124
P75$122,054
P90 (Top)$145,975

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($105,095 effective) pays 3.92% more than Manchester ($101,134 effective).

Hartford
Nominal: $107,981
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $105,095
Manchester
Nominal: $109,124
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $101,134

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hartford if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,095)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,124/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($145,975)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Hartford grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Hartford, CT

+28.8%

$79,820 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)

Manchester, CT

+1.6%

$102,287 (2024) → $103,898 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Manchester has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $109,124/year, compared to Hartford at $107,981/year — a difference of $1,143 (1.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Manchester?

Hartford magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.92/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $52.46/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hartford and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hartford = $105,095, Manchester = $101,134), job availability (170 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $92,847 in Hartford and $77,583 in Manchester. 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