MRI Technologist Pay

Philadelphia vs Williamsport: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Williamsport, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Philadelphia, PA
$103,581
$49.79/hr
Williamsport, PA
$88,582
$42.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhiladelphia, PAWilliamsport, PA
Median Salary$103,581$88,582
Hourly Rate$49.79$42.59
Entry Level (P10)$69,414$65,673
25th Percentile$88,918$75,506
75th Percentile$109,158$95,940
Top Earner (P90)$121,226$112,247
Total Employed1,1606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Philadelphia ($103,581) and Williamsport ($88,582) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.PhiladelphiaWilliamsportMedian Salary$103,581$88,582Entry Level (P10)$69,414$65,673Top Earner (P90)$121,226$112,247US Median $100,283

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williamsport.

The salary gap between Philadelphia and Williamsport is $14,999 (16.93%). Philadelphia's median is +3.29% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $51,812,Williamsport spans $46,574. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$69,414
P25$88,918
Median$103,581
P75$109,158
P90 (Top)$121,226
Williamsport
P10 (Entry)$65,673
P25$75,506
Median$88,582
P75$95,940
P90 (Top)$112,247

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($101,001 effective) pays 11.06% more than Williamsport ($90,947 effective).

Philadelphia
Nominal: $103,581
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $101,001
Williamsport
Nominal: $88,582
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $90,947

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,581/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($121,226)
  • Larger job market (1,160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,001)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Williamsport if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Philadelphia grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Williamsport over the same period.

Philadelphia, PA

+42.6%

$69,140 (2019) → $98,620 (2025)

Williamsport, PA

+4.1%

$81,047 (2024) → $84,340 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Philadelphia or Williamsport?

Philadelphia has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $103,581/year, compared to Williamsport at $88,582/year — a difference of $14,999 (16.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Williamsport?

Philadelphia magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.79/hr while Williamsport hygienists earn $42.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Williamsport as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Philadelphia and Williamsport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Philadelphia = $101,001, Williamsport = $90,947), job availability (1,160 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Philadelphia vs Williamsport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,414 in Philadelphia and $65,673 in Williamsport. The Philadelphia 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