MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Phoenix, AZ
$102,866
$49.46/hr
Prescott, AZ
$95,305
$45.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZPrescott, AZ
Median Salary$102,866$95,305
Hourly Rate$49.46$45.82
Entry Level (P10)$85,536$73,940
25th Percentile$87,395$83,959
75th Percentile$111,920$105,861
Top Earner (P90)$130,615$125,100
Total Employed5809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($102,866) and Prescott ($95,305) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.PhoenixPrescottMedian Salary$102,866$95,305Entry Level (P10)$85,536$73,940Top Earner (P90)$130,615$125,100US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Phoenix and Prescott is $7,561 (7.93%). 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,Prescott spans $51,160. Prescott 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
Prescott
P10 (Entry)$73,940
P25$83,959
Median$95,305
P75$105,861
P90 (Top)$125,100

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($99,564 effective) pays 2.90% more than Prescott ($96,756 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $102,866
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $99,564
Prescott
Nominal: $95,305
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $96,756

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($130,615)
  • Larger job market (580 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,564)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Prescott if…

  • 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 Prescott over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+17.8%

$83,120 (2019) → $97,940 (2025)

Prescott, AZ

+11.0%

$81,732 (2024) → $90,741 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Phoenix has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $102,866/year, compared to Prescott at $95,305/year — a difference of $7,561 (7.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Prescott?

Phoenix magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.46/hr while Prescott hygienists earn $45.82/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Prescott. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $99,564, Prescott = $96,756), job availability (580 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $85,536 in Phoenix and $73,940 in Prescott. 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