MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Houston, TX
$107,729
$51.79/hr
Nacogdoches, TX
$89,878
$43.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXNacogdoches, TX
Median Salary$107,729$89,878
Hourly Rate$51.79$43.21
Entry Level (P10)$84,623$67,607
25th Percentile$96,071$75,402
75th Percentile$113,506$98,176
Top Earner (P90)$119,986$114,922
Total Employed8207
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($107,729) and Nacogdoches ($89,878) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HoustonNacogdochesMedian Salary$107,729$89,878Entry Level (P10)$84,623$67,607Top Earner (P90)$119,986$114,922US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Houston and Nacogdoches is $17,851 (19.86%). 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,Nacogdoches spans $47,315. Nacogdoches 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
Nacogdoches
P10 (Entry)$67,607
P25$75,402
Median$89,878
P75$98,176
P90 (Top)$114,922

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($109,226 effective) pays 16.67% more than Nacogdoches ($93,623 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $107,729
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $109,226
Nacogdoches
Nominal: $89,878
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $93,623

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 Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches over the same period.

Houston, TX

+36.6%

$75,070 (2020) → $102,570 (2025)

Nacogdoches, TX

+14.5%

$74,712 (2024) → $85,574 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Houston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $107,729/year, compared to Nacogdoches at $89,878/year — a difference of $17,851 (19.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Nacogdoches?

Houston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.79/hr while Nacogdoches hygienists earn $43.21/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Nacogdoches. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $109,226, Nacogdoches = $93,623), job availability (820 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $84,623 in Houston and $67,607 in Nacogdoches. 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