MRI Technologist Pay

Orlando vs Tampa: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Orlando, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Orlando, FL
$88,204
$42.41/hr
Tampa, FL
$86,849
$41.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOrlando, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$88,204$86,849
Hourly Rate$42.41$41.75
Entry Level (P10)$71,641$52,631
25th Percentile$83,121$79,770
75th Percentile$103,297$102,898
Top Earner (P90)$104,610$108,811
Total Employed350540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Orlando ($88,204) and Tampa ($86,849) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.OrlandoTampaMedian Salary$88,204$86,849Entry Level (P10)$71,641$52,631Top Earner (P90)$104,610$108,811US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Orlando and Tampa is $1,355 (1.56%). Orlando's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $32,969,Tampa spans $56,180. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Orlando
P10 (Entry)$71,641
P25$83,121
Median$88,204
P75$103,297
P90 (Top)$104,610
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$52,631
P25$79,770
Median$86,849
P75$102,898
P90 (Top)$108,811

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($86,971 effective) pays 1.03% more than Tampa ($86,083 effective).

Orlando
Nominal: $88,204
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $86,971
Tampa
Nominal: $86,849
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $86,083

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,204/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,971)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($108,811)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Orlando grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Orlando, FL

+19.6%

$70,220 (2019) → $83,980 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+25.7%

$65,770 (2019) → $82,690 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Orlando or Tampa?

Orlando has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,204/year, compared to Tampa at $86,849/year — a difference of $1,355 (1.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Tampa?

Orlando magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.41/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $41.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Orlando to Tampa as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Orlando and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Orlando = $86,971, Tampa = $86,083), job availability (350 vs 540 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Orlando vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $71,641 in Orlando and $52,631 in Tampa. The Orlando 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