Louisville/Jefferson County vs Owensboro: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,390▲ | $90,285 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.78▲ | $43.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,400▲ | $64,512 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,665▲ | $75,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,681▲ | $98,972 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,542▲ | $117,422 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro is $9,105 (10.08%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -0.89% compared to the US national median of $100,283.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $45,142,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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($106,786 effective) pays 5.62% more than Owensboro ($101,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,390/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,542)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,786)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 32.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$71,550 (2019) → $94,630 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$64,822 (2024) → $85,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Owensboro as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County 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