MRI Technologist Pay

Louisville vs Nicholasville: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Louisville, KY and Nicholasville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Louisville, KY
$97,634
$46.94/hr
Nicholasville, KY
$88,197
$42.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLouisville, KYNicholasville, KY
Median Salary$97,634$88,197
Hourly Rate$46.94$42.40
Entry Level (P10)$65,024$64,434
25th Percentile$78,643$74,559
75th Percentile$110,872$94,971
Top Earner (P90)$134,986$110,526
Total Employed1326
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Louisville ($97,634) and Nicholasville ($88,197) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LouisvilleNicholasvilleMedian Salary$97,634$88,197Entry Level (P10)$65,024$64,434Top Earner (P90)$134,986$110,526US Median $100,283

Verdict

Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nicholasville.

The salary gap between Louisville and Nicholasville is $9,437 (10.70%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $69,962,Nicholasville spans $46,092. Louisville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Louisville
P10 (Entry)$65,024
P25$78,643
Median$97,634
P75$110,872
P90 (Top)$134,986
Nicholasville
P10 (Entry)$64,434
P25$74,559
Median$88,197
P75$94,971
P90 (Top)$110,526

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($109,333 effective) pays 10.70% more than Nicholasville ($98,765 effective).

Louisville
Nominal: $97,634
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $109,333
Nicholasville
Nominal: $88,197
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $98,765

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Louisville if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,634/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($134,986)
  • Larger job market (132 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,333)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Nicholasville 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 grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Nicholasville over the same period.

Louisville, KY

+32.6%

$70,098 (2024) → $92,958 (2025)

Nicholasville, KY

+32.6%

$63,323 (2024) → $83,973 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Louisville or Nicholasville?

Louisville has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $97,634/year, compared to Nicholasville at $88,197/year — a difference of $9,437 (10.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Nicholasville?

Louisville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.94/hr while Nicholasville hygienists earn $42.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Louisville to Nicholasville as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Louisville and Nicholasville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Louisville = $109,333, Nicholasville = $98,765), job availability (132 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Louisville vs Nicholasville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $65,024 in Louisville and $64,434 in Nicholasville. The Louisville 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