MRI Technologist Pay

Oklahoma City vs Ponca City: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oklahoma City, OK
$96,680
$46.49/hr
Ponca City, OK
$82,827
$39.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOklahoma City, OKPonca City, OK
Median Salary$96,680$82,827
Hourly Rate$46.49$39.82
Entry Level (P10)$82,617$65,780
25th Percentile$85,253$73,473
75th Percentile$103,108$89,957
Top Earner (P90)$106,847$104,374
Total Employed2104
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oklahoma City ($96,680) and Ponca City ($82,827) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Oklahoma CityPonca CityMedian Salary$96,680$82,827Entry Level (P10)$82,617$65,780Top Earner (P90)$106,847$104,374US Median $100,283

Verdict

Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.

The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Ponca City is $13,853 (16.73%). Oklahoma City's median is -3.59% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $24,230,Ponca City spans $38,594. Ponca City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Oklahoma City
P10 (Entry)$82,617
P25$85,253
Median$96,680
P75$103,108
P90 (Top)$106,847
Ponca City
P10 (Entry)$65,780
P25$73,473
Median$82,827
P75$89,957
P90 (Top)$104,374

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oklahoma City ($106,937 effective) pays 14.78% more than Ponca City ($93,169 effective).

Oklahoma City
Nominal: $96,680
CoL Index: 90.408
Adjusted: $106,937
Ponca City
Nominal: $82,827
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $93,169

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oklahoma City if…

  • Higher median salary ($96,680/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,847)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,937)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Ponca City if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Oklahoma City grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Ponca City over the same period.

Oklahoma City, OK

+33.9%

$68,760 (2019) → $92,050 (2025)

Ponca City, OK

+36.4%

$57,815 (2024) → $78,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Oklahoma City or Ponca City?

Oklahoma City has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $96,680/year, compared to Ponca City at $82,827/year — a difference of $13,853 (16.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Ponca City?

Oklahoma City magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.49/hr while Ponca City hygienists earn $39.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Ponca City as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oklahoma City and Ponca City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oklahoma City = $106,937, Ponca City = $93,169), job availability (210 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Oklahoma City vs Ponca City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,617 in Oklahoma City and $65,780 in Ponca City. The Oklahoma City 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