MRI Technologist Pay

Olathe vs Salina: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Olathe, KS and Salina, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Olathe, KS
$91,467
$43.98/hr
Salina, KS
$88,206
$42.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOlathe, KSSalina, KS
Median Salary$91,467$88,206
Hourly Rate$43.98$42.41
Entry Level (P10)$67,679$69,224
25th Percentile$78,448$78,014
75th Percentile$100,531$94,965
Top Earner (P90)$126,028$110,839
Total Employed3311
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Olathe ($91,467) and Salina ($88,206) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.OlatheSalinaMedian Salary$91,467$88,206Entry Level (P10)$67,679$69,224Top Earner (P90)$126,028$110,839US Median $100,283

Verdict

Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salina.

The salary gap between Olathe and Salina is $3,261 (3.70%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olathe spans $58,349,Salina spans $41,615. Olathe has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Olathe
P10 (Entry)$67,679
P25$78,448
Median$91,467
P75$100,531
P90 (Top)$126,028
Salina
P10 (Entry)$69,224
P25$78,014
Median$88,206
P75$94,965
P90 (Top)$110,839

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Olathe ($100,624 effective) pays 3.70% more than Salina ($97,036 effective).

Olathe
Nominal: $91,467
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $100,624
Salina
Nominal: $88,206
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $97,036

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Olathe if…

  • Higher median salary ($91,467/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,028)
  • Larger job market (33 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,624)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Salina if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Olathe grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Salina over the same period.

Olathe, KS

+32.6%

$65,671 (2024) → $87,087 (2025)

Salina, KS

+32.6%

$63,330 (2024) → $83,982 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Olathe or Salina?

Olathe has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $91,467/year, compared to Salina at $88,206/year — a difference of $3,261 (3.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Olathe and Salina?

Olathe magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.98/hr while Salina hygienists earn $42.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Olathe to Salina as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Olathe and Salina. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Olathe = $100,624, Salina = $97,036), job availability (33 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Olathe vs Salina?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,679 in Olathe and $69,224 in Salina. The Salina 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