MRI Technologist Pay

Jamestown vs Rochester: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Jamestown, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jamestown, NY
$102,563
$49.31/hr
Rochester, NY
$85,263
$40.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJamestown, NYRochester, NY
Median Salary$102,563$85,263
Hourly Rate$49.31$40.99
Entry Level (P10)$72,709$77,649
25th Percentile$91,292$84,129
75th Percentile$111,023$101,974
Top Earner (P90)$129,485$103,265
Total Employed5250
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jamestown ($102,563) and Rochester ($85,263) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.JamestownRochesterMedian Salary$102,563$85,263Entry Level (P10)$72,709$77,649Top Earner (P90)$129,485$103,265US Median $100,283

Verdict

Jamestown, NY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.

The salary gap between Jamestown and Rochester is $17,300 (20.29%). Jamestown's median is +2.27% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jamestown spans $56,776,Rochester spans $25,616. Jamestown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jamestown
P10 (Entry)$72,709
P25$91,292
Median$102,563
P75$111,023
P90 (Top)$129,485
Rochester
P10 (Entry)$77,649
P25$84,129
Median$85,263
P75$101,974
P90 (Top)$103,265

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jamestown ($88,493 effective) pays 0.71% more than Rochester ($87,868 effective).

Jamestown
Nominal: $102,563
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $88,493
Rochester
Nominal: $85,263
CoL Index: 97.035
Adjusted: $87,868

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jamestown if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,563/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($129,485)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,493)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Rochester if…

  • Larger job market (250 employed)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Jamestown grew -9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.

Jamestown, NY

+-9.7%

$108,164 (2024) → $97,651 (2025)

Rochester, NY

+17.3%

$69,180 (2019) → $81,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Jamestown or Rochester?

Jamestown has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $102,563/year, compared to Rochester at $85,263/year — a difference of $17,300 (20.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jamestown and Rochester?

Jamestown magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.31/hr while Rochester hygienists earn $40.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jamestown to Rochester as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jamestown and Rochester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jamestown = $88,493, Rochester = $87,868), job availability (5 vs 250 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Jamestown vs Rochester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $72,709 in Jamestown and $77,649 in Rochester. The Rochester 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