MRI Technologist Pay

Lebanon vs Pittsburgh: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Lebanon, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lebanon, PA
$88,103
$42.36/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$85,116
$40.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLebanon, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$88,103$85,116
Hourly Rate$42.36$40.92
Entry Level (P10)$64,517$40,983
25th Percentile$77,914$75,380
75th Percentile$94,846$96,270
Top Earner (P90)$110,696$106,879
Total Employed5310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lebanon ($88,103) and Pittsburgh ($85,116) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LebanonPittsburghMedian Salary$88,103$85,116Entry Level (P10)$64,517$40,983Top Earner (P90)$110,696$106,879US Median $100,283

Verdict

Lebanon, PA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.

The salary gap between Lebanon and Pittsburgh is $2,987 (3.51%). Lebanon's median is -12.15% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lebanon spans $46,179,Pittsburgh spans $65,896. Pittsburgh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Lebanon
P10 (Entry)$64,517
P25$77,914
Median$88,103
P75$94,846
P90 (Top)$110,696
Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$40,983
P25$75,380
Median$85,116
P75$96,270
P90 (Top)$106,879

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lebanon ($90,455 effective) pays 0.61% more than Pittsburgh ($89,907 effective).

Lebanon
Nominal: $88,103
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $90,455
Pittsburgh
Nominal: $85,116
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $89,907

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lebanon if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,103/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,696)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,455)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Lebanon grew 4.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Lebanon, PA

+4.1%

$80,609 (2024) → $83,884 (2025)

Pittsburgh, PA

+37.2%

$59,050 (2019) → $81,040 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Lebanon or Pittsburgh?

Lebanon has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,103/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $85,116/year — a difference of $2,987 (3.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lebanon and Pittsburgh?

Lebanon magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.36/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $40.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lebanon to Pittsburgh as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lebanon and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lebanon = $90,455, Pittsburgh = $89,907), job availability (5 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Lebanon vs Pittsburgh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,517 in Lebanon and $40,983 in Pittsburgh. The Lebanon 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