MRI Technologist Pay

Little Rock vs Searcy: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Little Rock, AR
$83,856
$40.32/hr
Searcy, AR
$82,968
$39.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLittle Rock, ARSearcy, AR
Median Salary$83,856$82,968
Hourly Rate$40.32$39.89
Entry Level (P10)$64,951$62,288
25th Percentile$74,277$70,978
75th Percentile$95,483$87,649
Top Earner (P90)$102,478$100,571
Total Employed1505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Little Rock ($83,856) and Searcy ($82,968) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Little RockSearcyMedian Salary$83,856$82,968Entry Level (P10)$64,951$62,288Top Earner (P90)$102,478$100,571US Median $100,283

Verdict

Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Searcy.

The salary gap between Little Rock and Searcy is $888 (1.07%). Little Rock's median is -16.38% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $37,527,Searcy spans $38,283. Searcy has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Little Rock
P10 (Entry)$64,951
P25$74,277
Median$83,856
P75$95,483
P90 (Top)$102,478
Searcy
P10 (Entry)$62,288
P25$70,978
Median$82,968
P75$87,649
P90 (Top)$100,571

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Searcy ($95,475 effective) pays 1.75% more than Little Rock ($93,836 effective).

Little Rock
Nominal: $83,856
CoL Index: 89.364
Adjusted: $93,836
Searcy
Nominal: $82,968
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $95,475

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Little Rock if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,856/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,478)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Searcy if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,475)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Little Rock grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.7% growth in Searcy over the same period.

Little Rock, AR

+32.0%

$60,470 (2019) → $79,840 (2025)

Searcy, AR

+44.7%

$54,605 (2024) → $78,995 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Little Rock or Searcy?

Little Rock has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $83,856/year, compared to Searcy at $82,968/year — a difference of $888 (1.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Searcy?

Little Rock magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $40.32/hr while Searcy hygienists earn $39.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Little Rock to Searcy as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Little Rock and Searcy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Little Rock = $93,836, Searcy = $95,475), job availability (150 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Little Rock vs Searcy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,951 in Little Rock and $62,288 in Searcy. The Little Rock area offers higher starting salaries.
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