MRI Technologist Pay

Mesa vs Sahuarita: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mesa, AZ
$102,369
$49.22/hr
Sahuarita, AZ
$95,359
$45.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMesa, AZSahuarita, AZ
Median Salary$102,369$95,359
Hourly Rate$49.22$45.85
Entry Level (P10)$73,843$74,372
25th Percentile$86,735$84,071
75th Percentile$114,527$102,441
Top Earner (P90)$138,454$124,977
Total Employed985
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mesa ($102,369) and Sahuarita ($95,359) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MesaSahuaritaMedian Salary$102,369$95,359Entry Level (P10)$73,843$74,372Top Earner (P90)$138,454$124,977US Median $100,283

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sahuarita.

The salary gap between Mesa and Sahuarita is $7,010 (7.35%). Mesa's median is +2.08% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $64,611,Sahuarita spans $50,605. Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mesa
P10 (Entry)$73,843
P25$86,735
Median$102,369
P75$114,527
P90 (Top)$138,454
Sahuarita
P10 (Entry)$74,372
P25$84,071
Median$95,359
P75$102,441
P90 (Top)$124,977

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($103,928 effective) pays 7.35% more than Sahuarita ($96,811 effective).

Mesa
Nominal: $102,369
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $103,928
Sahuarita
Nominal: $95,359
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $96,811

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,369/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,454)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,928)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sahuarita if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Mesa grew 7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.0% growth in Sahuarita over the same period.

Mesa, AZ

+7.1%

$91,044 (2024) → $97,466 (2025)

Sahuarita, AZ

+11.0%

$81,778 (2024) → $90,792 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Mesa or Sahuarita?

Mesa has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $102,369/year, compared to Sahuarita at $95,359/year — a difference of $7,010 (7.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Sahuarita?

Mesa magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.22/hr while Sahuarita hygienists earn $45.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mesa to Sahuarita as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mesa and Sahuarita. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mesa = $103,928, Sahuarita = $96,811), job availability (98 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Mesa vs Sahuarita?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,843 in Mesa and $74,372 in Sahuarita. The Sahuarita area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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