Payson vs Salt Lake City: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Payson, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Payson, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,390 | $95,735▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.42 | $46.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,197 | $88,404▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,182 | $91,607▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,082 | $111,342▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,770 | $114,682▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Payson.
The salary gap between Payson and Salt Lake City is $3,345 (3.62%). Salt Lake City's median is -4.54% compared to the US national median of $100,283.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Payson spans $45,573,Salt Lake City spans $26,278. Payson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salt Lake City ($94,911 effective) pays 0.78% more than Payson ($94,179 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Payson if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,735/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,682)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,911)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Payson grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.5% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Payson, UT
$71,861 (2024) → $87,965 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$63,090 (2019) → $91,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Payson, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Payson or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Payson and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Payson to Salt Lake City as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Payson vs Salt Lake City?
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.
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