MRI Technologist Pay

Meridian vs Nampa: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Meridian, ID and Nampa, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Meridian, ID
$95,926
$46.12/hr
Nampa, ID
$98,312
$47.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMeridian, IDNampa, ID
Median Salary$95,926$98,312
Hourly Rate$46.12$47.26
Entry Level (P10)$70,930$68,797
25th Percentile$82,308$81,402
75th Percentile$105,543$108,901
Top Earner (P90)$131,983$130,131
Total Employed3025
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Meridian ($95,926) and Nampa ($98,312) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MeridianNampaMedian Salary$95,926$98,312Entry Level (P10)$70,930$68,797Top Earner (P90)$131,983$130,131US Median $100,283

Verdict

Meridian and Nampa are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Meridian and Nampa is $2,386 (2.49%). Nampa's median is -1.97% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meridian spans $61,053,Nampa spans $61,334. Nampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Meridian
P10 (Entry)$70,930
P25$82,308
Median$95,926
P75$105,543
P90 (Top)$131,983
Nampa
P10 (Entry)$68,797
P25$81,402
Median$98,312
P75$108,901
P90 (Top)$130,131

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nampa ($103,161 effective) pays 2.49% more than Meridian ($100,657 effective).

Meridian
Nominal: $95,926
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $100,657
Nampa
Nominal: $98,312
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $103,161

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Meridian if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($131,983)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Nampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,312/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,161)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Meridian grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Nampa over the same period.

Meridian, ID

+22.4%

$74,612 (2024) → $91,332 (2025)

Nampa, ID

+22.4%

$76,468 (2024) → $93,604 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Meridian or Nampa?

Nampa has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $98,312/year, compared to Meridian at $95,926/year — a difference of $2,386 (2.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Meridian and Nampa?

Meridian magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.12/hr while Nampa hygienists earn $47.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Meridian to Nampa as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Meridian and Nampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Meridian = $100,657, Nampa = $103,161), job availability (30 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Meridian vs Nampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $70,930 in Meridian and $68,797 in Nampa. The Meridian 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