Lexington vs Owensboro: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Lexington, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,455 | $90,285▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.60 | $43.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,202▲ | $64,512 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,266▲ | $75,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,694▲ | $98,972 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,141 | $117,422▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Owensboro, KY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Owensboro is $5,830 (6.90%). Owensboro's median is -9.97% compared to the US national median of $100,283.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $36,939,Owensboro spans $52,910. Owensboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Owensboro ($101,103 effective) pays 11.20% more than Lexington ($90,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,422)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,103)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Lexington grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$65,290 (2019) → $80,410 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$64,822 (2024) → $85,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Lexington or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Owensboro as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Lexington vs Owensboro?
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.
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