MRI Technologist Pay

Leland vs Winston: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Leland, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Leland, NC
$81,283
$39.08/hr
Winston, NC
$91,240
$43.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLeland, NCWinston, NC
Median Salary$81,283$91,240
Hourly Rate$39.08$43.87
Entry Level (P10)$64,487$80,957
25th Percentile$72,055$83,457
75th Percentile$89,960$102,961
Top Earner (P90)$102,355$110,250
Total Employed6130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Leland ($81,283) and Winston ($91,240) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LelandWinstonMedian Salary$81,283$91,240Entry Level (P10)$64,487$80,957Top Earner (P90)$102,355$110,250US Median $100,283

Verdict

Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leland.

The salary gap between Leland and Winston is $9,957 (12.25%). Winston's median is -9.02% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leland spans $37,868,Winston spans $29,293. Leland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Leland
P10 (Entry)$64,487
P25$72,055
Median$81,283
P75$89,960
P90 (Top)$102,355
Winston
P10 (Entry)$80,957
P25$83,457
Median$91,240
P75$102,961
P90 (Top)$110,250

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston ($99,128 effective) pays 14.15% more than Leland ($86,841 effective).

Leland
Nominal: $81,283
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $86,841
Winston
Nominal: $91,240
CoL Index: 92.043
Adjusted: $99,128

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Leland if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Winston if…

  • Higher median salary ($91,240/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,250)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,128)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Leland grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Winston over the same period.

Leland, NC

+17.2%

$66,057 (2024) → $77,390 (2025)

Winston, NC

+18.4%

$73,400 (2019) → $86,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Leland or Winston?

Winston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $91,240/year, compared to Leland at $81,283/year — a difference of $9,957 (12.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Leland and Winston?

Leland magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.08/hr while Winston hygienists earn $43.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Leland to Winston as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Leland and Winston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Leland = $86,841, Winston = $99,128), job availability (6 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Leland vs Winston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,487 in Leland and $80,957 in Winston. The Winston 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