MRI Technologist Pay

Johnston vs Providence: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Johnston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnston, RI
$97,459
$46.85/hr
Providence, RI
$113,065
$54.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnston, RIProvidence, RI
Median Salary$97,459$113,065
Hourly Rate$46.85$54.36
Entry Level (P10)$76,383$87,826
25th Percentile$83,957$98,571
75th Percentile$108,660$119,167
Top Earner (P90)$128,109$137,400
Total Employed8200
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnston ($97,459) and Providence ($113,065) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.JohnstonProvidenceMedian Salary$97,459$113,065Entry Level (P10)$76,383$87,826Top Earner (P90)$128,109$137,400US Median $100,283

Verdict

Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.

The salary gap between Johnston and Providence is $15,606 (16.01%). Providence's median is +12.75% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnston spans $51,726,Providence spans $49,574. Johnston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Johnston
P10 (Entry)$76,383
P25$83,957
Median$97,459
P75$108,660
P90 (Top)$128,109
Providence
P10 (Entry)$87,826
P25$98,571
Median$113,065
P75$119,167
P90 (Top)$137,400

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($111,095 effective) pays 14.56% more than Johnston ($96,974 effective).

Johnston
Nominal: $97,459
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $96,974
Providence
Nominal: $113,065
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $111,095

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johnston if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,065/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($137,400)
  • Larger job market (200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,095)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Johnston grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Providence over the same period.

Johnston, RI

+8.5%

$85,523 (2024) → $92,792 (2025)

Providence, RI

+24.9%

$86,190 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Johnston or Providence?

Providence has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $113,065/year, compared to Johnston at $97,459/year — a difference of $15,606 (16.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnston and Providence?

Johnston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.85/hr while Providence hygienists earn $54.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnston to Providence as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnston and Providence. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnston = $96,974, Providence = $111,095), job availability (8 vs 200 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Johnston vs Providence?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $76,383 in Johnston and $87,826 in Providence. The Providence 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