MRI Technologist Pay

Knoxville vs Sevierville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Sevierville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Knoxville, TN
$80,957
$38.92/hr
Sevierville, TN
$76,431
$36.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKnoxville, TNSevierville, TN
Median Salary$80,957$76,431
Hourly Rate$38.92$36.75
Entry Level (P10)$66,032$55,944
25th Percentile$69,456$64,583
75th Percentile$82,648$84,435
Top Earner (P90)$96,470$98,614
Total Employed1905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Knoxville ($80,957) and Sevierville ($76,431) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.KnoxvilleSeviervilleMedian Salary$80,957$76,431Entry Level (P10)$66,032$55,944Top Earner (P90)$96,470$98,614US Median $100,283

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sevierville.

The salary gap between Knoxville and Sevierville is $4,526 (5.92%). Knoxville's median is -19.27% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $30,438,Sevierville spans $42,670. Sevierville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$66,032
P25$69,456
Median$80,957
P75$82,648
P90 (Top)$96,470
Sevierville
P10 (Entry)$55,944
P25$64,583
Median$76,431
P75$84,435
P90 (Top)$98,614

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($87,456 effective) pays 5.04% more than Sevierville ($83,258 effective).

Knoxville
Nominal: $80,957
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $87,456
Sevierville
Nominal: $76,431
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $83,258

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,957/year)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,456)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Sevierville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($98,614)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Knoxville grew 38.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Sevierville over the same period.

Knoxville, TN

+38.0%

$55,870 (2019) → $77,080 (2025)

Sevierville, TN

+16.6%

$62,401 (2024) → $72,771 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Knoxville or Sevierville?

Knoxville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $80,957/year, compared to Sevierville at $76,431/year — a difference of $4,526 (5.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Sevierville?

Knoxville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $38.92/hr while Sevierville hygienists earn $36.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Knoxville to Sevierville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Knoxville and Sevierville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Knoxville = $87,456, Sevierville = $83,258), job availability (190 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Knoxville vs Sevierville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $66,032 in Knoxville and $55,944 in Sevierville. The Knoxville 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