MRI Technologist Pay

Phoenix vs Peoria: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Peoria, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$102,866
$49.46/hr
Peoria, AZ
$100,952
$48.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZPeoria, AZ
Median Salary$102,866$100,952
Hourly Rate$49.46$48.53
Entry Level (P10)$85,536$69,693
25th Percentile$87,395$82,791
75th Percentile$111,920$111,130
Top Earner (P90)$130,615$142,620
Total Employed58033
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($102,866) and Peoria ($100,952) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.PhoenixPeoriaMedian Salary$102,866$100,952Entry Level (P10)$85,536$69,693Top Earner (P90)$130,615$142,620US Median $100,283

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Peoria is $1,914 (1.90%). Phoenix's median is +2.58% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $45,079,Peoria spans $72,927. Peoria has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$85,536
P25$87,395
Median$102,866
P75$111,920
P90 (Top)$130,615
Peoria
P10 (Entry)$69,693
P25$82,791
Median$100,952
P75$111,130
P90 (Top)$142,620

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($102,489 effective) pays 2.94% more than Phoenix ($99,564 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $102,866
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $99,564
Peoria
Nominal: $100,952
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $102,489

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,866/year)
  • Larger job market (580 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Peoria if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($142,620)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,489)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Phoenix grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.0% growth in Peoria over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+17.8%

$83,120 (2019) → $97,940 (2025)

Peoria, AZ

+11.0%

$86,574 (2024) → $96,117 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Phoenix or Peoria?

Phoenix has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $102,866/year, compared to Peoria at $100,952/year — a difference of $1,914 (1.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Peoria?

Phoenix magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.46/hr while Peoria hygienists earn $48.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Peoria as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Peoria. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $99,564, Peoria = $102,489), job availability (580 vs 33 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Phoenix vs Peoria?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $85,536 in Phoenix and $69,693 in Peoria. The Phoenix 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