MRI Technologist Pay

Klamath Falls vs Portland: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Klamath Falls, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Klamath Falls, OR
$94,785
$45.57/hr
Portland, OR
$126,719
$60.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKlamath Falls, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$94,785$126,719
Hourly Rate$45.57$60.92
Entry Level (P10)$73,832$103,728
25th Percentile$83,105$113,170
75th Percentile$104,102$136,739
Top Earner (P90)$120,968$138,713
Total Employed4330
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Klamath Falls ($94,785) and Portland ($126,719) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Klamath FallsPortlandMedian Salary$94,785$126,719Entry Level (P10)$73,832$103,728Top Earner (P90)$120,968$138,713US Median $100,283

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Klamath Falls.

The salary gap between Klamath Falls and Portland is $31,934 (33.69%). Portland's median is +26.36% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Klamath Falls spans $47,136,Portland spans $34,985. Klamath Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Klamath Falls
P10 (Entry)$73,832
P25$83,105
Median$94,785
P75$104,102
P90 (Top)$120,968
Portland
P10 (Entry)$103,728
P25$113,170
Median$126,719
P75$136,739
P90 (Top)$138,713

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($120,203 effective) pays 30.11% more than Klamath Falls ($92,383 effective).

Klamath Falls
Nominal: $94,785
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $92,383
Portland
Nominal: $126,719
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $120,203

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Klamath Falls if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($126,719/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,713)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,203)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Klamath Falls grew -6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Portland over the same period.

Klamath Falls, OR

+-6.4%

$96,409 (2024) → $90,246 (2025)

Portland, OR

+32.9%

$90,750 (2019) → $120,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Klamath Falls or Portland?

Portland has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $126,719/year, compared to Klamath Falls at $94,785/year — a difference of $31,934 (33.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Klamath Falls and Portland?

Klamath Falls magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.57/hr while Portland hygienists earn $60.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Klamath Falls to Portland as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Klamath Falls and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Klamath Falls = $92,383, Portland = $120,203), job availability (4 vs 330 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Klamath Falls vs Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,832 in Klamath Falls and $103,728 in Portland. The Portland 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