MRI Technologist Pay

Idaho Falls vs Meridian: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Idaho Falls, ID
$96,698
$46.49/hr
Meridian, ID
$95,926
$46.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIdaho Falls, IDMeridian, ID
Median Salary$96,698$95,926
Hourly Rate$46.49$46.12
Entry Level (P10)$69,663$70,930
25th Percentile$81,271$82,308
75th Percentile$108,546$105,543
Top Earner (P90)$130,003$131,983
Total Employed930
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Idaho Falls ($96,698) and Meridian ($95,926) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Idaho FallsMeridianMedian Salary$96,698$95,926Entry Level (P10)$69,663$70,930Top Earner (P90)$130,003$131,983US Median $100,283

Verdict

Idaho Falls and Meridian are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Meridian is $772 (0.80%). Idaho Falls's median is -3.57% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $60,340,Meridian spans $61,053. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Idaho Falls
P10 (Entry)$69,663
P25$81,271
Median$96,698
P75$108,546
P90 (Top)$130,003
Meridian
P10 (Entry)$70,930
P25$82,308
Median$95,926
P75$105,543
P90 (Top)$131,983

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($101,467 effective) pays 0.80% more than Meridian ($100,657 effective).

Idaho Falls
Nominal: $96,698
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $101,467
Meridian
Nominal: $95,926
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $100,657

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Idaho Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($96,698/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,467)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Meridian if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($131,983)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Idaho Falls grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Meridian over the same period.

Idaho Falls, ID

+22.4%

$75,213 (2024) → $92,067 (2025)

Meridian, ID

+22.4%

$74,612 (2024) → $91,332 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Idaho Falls or Meridian?

Idaho Falls has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $96,698/year, compared to Meridian at $95,926/year — a difference of $772 (0.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Meridian?

Idaho Falls magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.49/hr while Meridian hygienists earn $46.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Meridian as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Idaho Falls and Meridian. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Idaho Falls = $101,467, Meridian = $100,657), job availability (9 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Idaho Falls vs Meridian?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,663 in Idaho Falls and $70,930 in Meridian. The Meridian 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