MRI Technologist Pay

Manchester vs Merrimack: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Manchester, NH and Merrimack, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Manchester, NH
$110,775
$53.26/hr
Merrimack, NH
$104,872
$50.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricManchester, NHMerrimack, NH
Median Salary$110,775$104,872
Hourly Rate$53.26$50.41
Entry Level (P10)$85,211$74,790
25th Percentile$91,586$87,286
75th Percentile$111,279$113,880
Top Earner (P90)$123,473$132,987
Total Employed1205
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Manchester ($110,775) and Merrimack ($104,872) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ManchesterMerrimackMedian Salary$110,775$104,872Entry Level (P10)$85,211$74,790Top Earner (P90)$123,473$132,987US Median $100,283

Verdict

Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrimack.

The salary gap between Manchester and Merrimack is $5,903 (5.63%). Manchester's median is +10.46% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $38,262,Merrimack spans $58,197. Merrimack has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Manchester
P10 (Entry)$85,211
P25$91,586
Median$110,775
P75$111,279
P90 (Top)$123,473
Merrimack
P10 (Entry)$74,790
P25$87,286
Median$104,872
P75$113,880
P90 (Top)$132,987

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($104,844 effective) pays 7.27% more than Merrimack ($97,737 effective).

Manchester
Nominal: $110,775
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $104,844
Merrimack
Nominal: $104,872
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $97,737

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,775/year)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,844)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Merrimack if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($132,987)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Manchester grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Merrimack over the same period.

Manchester, NH

+31.6%

$80,130 (2019) → $105,470 (2025)

Merrimack, NH

+8.5%

$92,027 (2024) → $99,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Manchester or Merrimack?

Manchester has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $110,775/year, compared to Merrimack at $104,872/year — a difference of $5,903 (5.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Merrimack?

Manchester magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.26/hr while Merrimack hygienists earn $50.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Manchester to Merrimack as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Manchester and Merrimack. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Manchester = $104,844, Merrimack = $97,737), job availability (120 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Manchester vs Merrimack?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $85,211 in Manchester and $74,790 in Merrimack. The Manchester 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