MRI Technologist Pay

New York vs Valley Stream: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between New York, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

New York, NY
$124,314
$59.77/hr
Valley Stream, NY
$102,399
$49.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNew York, NYValley Stream, NY
Median Salary$124,314$102,399
Hourly Rate$59.77$49.23
Entry Level (P10)$99,169$71,998
25th Percentile$108,139$90,947
75th Percentile$134,260$114,457
Top Earner (P90)$142,757$135,587
Total Employed3,02010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing New York ($124,314) and Valley Stream ($102,399) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.New YorkValley StreamMedian Salary$124,314$102,399Entry Level (P10)$99,169$71,998Top Earner (P90)$142,757$135,587US Median $100,283

Verdict

New York, NY offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valley Stream.

The salary gap between New York and Valley Stream is $21,915 (21.40%). New York's median is +23.96% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $43,588,Valley Stream spans $63,589. Valley Stream has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

New York
P10 (Entry)$99,169
P25$108,139
Median$124,314
P75$134,260
P90 (Top)$142,757
Valley Stream
P10 (Entry)$71,998
P25$90,947
Median$102,399
P75$114,457
P90 (Top)$135,587

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($110,439 effective) pays 25.00% more than Valley Stream ($88,351 effective).

New York
Nominal: $124,314
CoL Index: 112.563
Adjusted: $110,439
Valley Stream
Nominal: $102,399
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $88,351

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose New York if…

  • Higher median salary ($124,314/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($142,757)
  • Larger job market (3,020 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,439)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Valley Stream if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in New York grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.7% growth in Valley Stream over the same period.

New York, NY

+33.0%

$88,990 (2019) → $118,360 (2025)

Valley Stream, NY

+-9.7%

$107,991 (2024) → $97,495 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: New York or Valley Stream?

New York has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $124,314/year, compared to Valley Stream at $102,399/year — a difference of $21,915 (21.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Valley Stream?

New York magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $59.77/hr while Valley Stream hygienists earn $49.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from New York to Valley Stream as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing New York and Valley Stream. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: New York = $110,439, Valley Stream = $88,351), job availability (3,020 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in New York vs Valley Stream?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $99,169 in New York and $71,998 in Valley Stream. The New York area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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