MRI Technologist Pay

Jackson vs Ridgeland: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Jackson, MS and Ridgeland, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, MS
$80,148
$38.54/hr
Ridgeland, MS
$82,514
$39.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, MSRidgeland, MS
Median Salary$80,148$82,514
Hourly Rate$38.54$39.67
Entry Level (P10)$56,538$63,059
25th Percentile$64,110$74,707
75th Percentile$86,891$88,043
Top Earner (P90)$86,891$101,138
Total Employed905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($80,148) and Ridgeland ($82,514) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.JacksonRidgelandMedian Salary$80,148$82,514Entry Level (P10)$56,538$63,059Top Earner (P90)$86,891$101,138US Median $100,283

Verdict

Ridgeland, MS offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Jackson and Ridgeland is $2,366 (2.95%). Ridgeland's median is -17.72% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $30,353,Ridgeland spans $38,079. Ridgeland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$56,538
P25$64,110
Median$80,148
P75$86,891
P90 (Top)$86,891
Ridgeland
P10 (Entry)$63,059
P25$74,707
Median$82,514
P75$88,043
P90 (Top)$101,138

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ridgeland ($96,282 effective) pays 6.97% more than Jackson ($90,005 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $80,148
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $90,005
Ridgeland
Nominal: $82,514
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $96,282

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Ridgeland if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,514/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,138)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,282)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Jackson grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.0% growth in Ridgeland over the same period.

Jackson, MS

+22.6%

$62,220 (2019) → $76,310 (2025)

Ridgeland, MS

+54.0%

$51,015 (2024) → $78,562 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Jackson or Ridgeland?

Ridgeland has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $82,514/year, compared to Jackson at $80,148/year — a difference of $2,366 (2.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Ridgeland?

Jackson magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $38.54/hr while Ridgeland hygienists earn $39.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Ridgeland as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Ridgeland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $90,005, Ridgeland = $96,282), job availability (90 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Jackson vs Ridgeland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $56,538 in Jackson and $63,059 in Ridgeland. The Ridgeland 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