MRI Technologist Pay

Mechanicsville vs Virginia Beach: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Mechanicsville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mechanicsville, VA
$99,981
$48.07/hr
Virginia Beach, VA
$100,776
$48.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMechanicsville, VAVirginia Beach, VA
Median Salary$99,981$100,776
Hourly Rate$48.07$48.45
Entry Level (P10)$78,201$81,199
25th Percentile$86,011$83,247
75th Percentile$111,207$103,265
Top Earner (P90)$131,486$104,767
Total Employed9160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mechanicsville ($99,981) and Virginia Beach ($100,776) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MechanicsvilleVirginia BeachMedian Salary$99,981$100,776Entry Level (P10)$78,201$81,199Top Earner (P90)$131,486$104,767US Median $100,283

Verdict

Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mechanicsville.

The salary gap between Mechanicsville and Virginia Beach is $795 (0.80%). Virginia Beach's median is +0.49% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mechanicsville spans $53,285,Virginia Beach spans $23,568. Mechanicsville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mechanicsville
P10 (Entry)$78,201
P25$86,011
Median$99,981
P75$111,207
P90 (Top)$131,486
Virginia Beach
P10 (Entry)$81,199
P25$83,247
Median$100,776
P75$103,265
P90 (Top)$104,767

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($102,895 effective) pays 6.21% more than Mechanicsville ($96,881 effective).

Mechanicsville
Nominal: $99,981
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $96,881
Virginia Beach
Nominal: $100,776
CoL Index: 97.941
Adjusted: $102,895

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mechanicsville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($131,486)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Virginia Beach if…

  • Higher median salary ($100,776/year)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,895)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Mechanicsville grew 19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.

Mechanicsville, VA

+19.3%

$79,760 (2024) → $95,193 (2025)

Virginia Beach, VA

+34.8%

$71,190 (2019) → $95,950 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Mechanicsville or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $100,776/year, compared to Mechanicsville at $99,981/year — a difference of $795 (0.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mechanicsville and Virginia Beach?

Mechanicsville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $48.07/hr while Virginia Beach hygienists earn $48.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mechanicsville to Virginia Beach as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mechanicsville and Virginia Beach. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mechanicsville = $96,881, Virginia Beach = $102,895), job availability (9 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Mechanicsville vs Virginia Beach?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,201 in Mechanicsville and $81,199 in Virginia Beach. The Virginia Beach 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