MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Little Rock, AR
$83,856
$40.32/hr
Springdale, AR
$86,533
$41.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLittle Rock, ARSpringdale, AR
Median Salary$83,856$86,533
Hourly Rate$40.32$41.60
Entry Level (P10)$64,951$61,454
25th Percentile$74,277$72,063
75th Percentile$95,483$96,471
Top Earner (P90)$102,478$115,229
Total Employed15014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Little Rock ($83,856) and Springdale ($86,533) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Little RockSpringdaleMedian Salary$83,856$86,533Entry Level (P10)$64,951$61,454Top Earner (P90)$102,478$115,229US Median $100,283

Verdict

Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.

The salary gap between Little Rock and Springdale is $2,677 (3.19%). Springdale's median is -13.71% 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,Springdale spans $53,775. Springdale 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
Springdale
P10 (Entry)$61,454
P25$72,063
Median$86,533
P75$96,471
P90 (Top)$115,229

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springdale ($99,578 effective) pays 6.12% more than Little Rock ($93,836 effective).

Little Rock
Nominal: $83,856
CoL Index: 89.364
Adjusted: $93,836
Springdale
Nominal: $86,533
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $99,578

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Little Rock if…

  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Springdale if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,533/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,229)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,578)
  • 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 42.9% growth in Springdale over the same period.

Little Rock, AR

+32.0%

$60,470 (2019) → $79,840 (2025)

Springdale, AR

+42.9%

$57,669 (2024) → $82,389 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Springdale has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,533/year, compared to Little Rock at $83,856/year — a difference of $2,677 (3.19%).

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

Little Rock magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $40.32/hr while Springdale hygienists earn $41.60/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Little Rock and Springdale. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Little Rock = $93,836, Springdale = $99,578), job availability (150 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,951 in Little Rock and $61,454 in Springdale. 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