MRI Technologist Pay

Houston vs Hurst: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Houston, TX and Hurst, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$107,729
$51.79/hr
Hurst, TX
$92,031
$44.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXHurst, TX
Median Salary$107,729$92,031
Hourly Rate$51.79$44.25
Entry Level (P10)$84,623$65,292
25th Percentile$96,071$81,881
75th Percentile$113,506$99,554
Top Earner (P90)$119,986$116,417
Total Employed8209
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($107,729) and Hurst ($92,031) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HoustonHurstMedian Salary$107,729$92,031Entry Level (P10)$84,623$65,292Top Earner (P90)$119,986$116,417US Median $100,283

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hurst.

The salary gap between Houston and Hurst is $15,698 (17.06%). Houston's median is +7.42% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $35,363,Hurst spans $51,125. Hurst has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$84,623
P25$96,071
Median$107,729
P75$113,506
P90 (Top)$119,986
Hurst
P10 (Entry)$65,292
P25$81,881
Median$92,031
P75$99,554
P90 (Top)$116,417

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($109,226 effective) pays 13.94% more than Hurst ($95,866 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $107,729
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $109,226
Hurst
Nominal: $92,031
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $95,866

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,729/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,986)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,226)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Hurst if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Houston grew 36.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Hurst over the same period.

Houston, TX

+36.6%

$75,070 (2020) → $102,570 (2025)

Hurst, TX

+14.5%

$76,502 (2024) → $87,624 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Houston or Hurst?

Houston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,729/year, compared to Hurst at $92,031/year — a difference of $15,698 (17.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Hurst?

Houston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.79/hr while Hurst hygienists earn $44.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Hurst as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Hurst. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $109,226, Hurst = $95,866), job availability (820 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Houston vs Hurst?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $84,623 in Houston and $65,292 in Hurst. The Houston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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