MRI Technologist Pay

Jacksonville vs Tampa: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jacksonville, FL
$87,353
$42.00/hr
Tampa, FL
$86,849
$41.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJacksonville, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$87,353$86,849
Hourly Rate$42.00$41.75
Entry Level (P10)$79,592$52,631
25th Percentile$82,732$79,770
75th Percentile$104,043$102,898
Top Earner (P90)$105,345$108,811
Total Employed240540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jacksonville ($87,353) and Tampa ($86,849) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.JacksonvilleTampaMedian Salary$87,353$86,849Entry Level (P10)$79,592$52,631Top Earner (P90)$105,345$108,811US Median $100,283

Verdict

Jacksonville and Tampa are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Jacksonville and Tampa is $504 (0.58%). Jacksonville's median is -12.89% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $25,753,Tampa spans $56,180. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Jacksonville
P10 (Entry)$79,592
P25$82,732
Median$87,353
P75$104,043
P90 (Top)$105,345
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$52,631
P25$79,770
Median$86,849
P75$102,898
P90 (Top)$108,811

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jacksonville ($87,806 effective) pays 2.00% more than Tampa ($86,083 effective).

Jacksonville
Nominal: $87,353
CoL Index: 99.484
Adjusted: $87,806
Tampa
Nominal: $86,849
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $86,083

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jacksonville if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,353/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,806)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($108,811)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Jacksonville grew 21.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Jacksonville, FL

+21.1%

$68,670 (2019) → $83,170 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+25.7%

$65,770 (2019) → $82,690 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Jacksonville or Tampa?

Jacksonville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $87,353/year, compared to Tampa at $86,849/year — a difference of $504 (0.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Tampa?

Jacksonville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.00/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $41.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Tampa as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jacksonville and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jacksonville = $87,806, Tampa = $86,083), job availability (240 vs 540 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Jacksonville vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $79,592 in Jacksonville and $52,631 in Tampa. The Jacksonville 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