MRI Technologist Pay

Lackawanna vs New York: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Lackawanna, NY
$98,740
$47.47/hr
New York, NY
$124,314
$59.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLackawanna, NYNew York, NY
Median Salary$98,740$124,314
Hourly Rate$47.47$59.77
Entry Level (P10)$79,641$99,169
25th Percentile$88,478$108,139
75th Percentile$108,077$134,260
Top Earner (P90)$125,778$142,757
Total Employed53,020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lackawanna ($98,740) and New York ($124,314) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LackawannaNew YorkMedian Salary$98,740$124,314Entry Level (P10)$79,641$99,169Top Earner (P90)$125,778$142,757US Median $100,283

Verdict

New York, NY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lackawanna.

The salary gap between Lackawanna and New York is $25,574 (25.90%). New York's median is +23.96% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lackawanna spans $46,137,New York spans $43,588. Lackawanna has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lackawanna
P10 (Entry)$79,641
P25$88,478
Median$98,740
P75$108,077
P90 (Top)$125,778
New York
P10 (Entry)$99,169
P25$108,139
Median$124,314
P75$134,260
P90 (Top)$142,757

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($110,439 effective) pays 29.63% more than Lackawanna ($85,194 effective).

Lackawanna
Nominal: $98,740
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $85,194
New York
Nominal: $124,314
CoL Index: 112.563
Adjusted: $110,439

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lackawanna if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose New York if…

  • Higher median salary ($124,314/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($142,757)
  • Larger job market (3,020 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,439)
  • 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 Lackawanna grew -9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in New York over the same period.

Lackawanna, NY

+-9.7%

$104,132 (2024) → $94,011 (2025)

New York, NY

+33.0%

$88,990 (2019) → $118,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Lackawanna or New York?

New York has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $124,314/year, compared to Lackawanna at $98,740/year — a difference of $25,574 (25.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lackawanna and New York?

Lackawanna magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.47/hr while New York hygienists earn $59.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lackawanna to New York as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lackawanna and New York. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lackawanna = $85,194, New York = $110,439), job availability (5 vs 3,020 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Lackawanna vs New York?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $79,641 in Lackawanna and $99,169 in New York. The New York 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