MRI Technologist Pay

Richfield vs Rochester: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Richfield, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richfield, MN
$95,145
$45.74/hr
Rochester, MN
$105,975
$50.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichfield, MNRochester, MN
Median Salary$95,145$105,975
Hourly Rate$45.74$50.95
Entry Level (P10)$73,553$88,519
25th Percentile$83,622$105,975
75th Percentile$101,922$105,975
Top Earner (P90)$124,579$121,845
Total Employed950
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richfield ($95,145) and Rochester ($105,975) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.RichfieldRochesterMedian Salary$95,145$105,975Entry Level (P10)$73,553$88,519Top Earner (P90)$124,579$121,845US Median $100,283

Verdict

Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richfield.

The salary gap between Richfield and Rochester is $10,830 (11.38%). Rochester's median is +5.68% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richfield spans $51,026,Rochester spans $33,326. Richfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Richfield
P10 (Entry)$73,553
P25$83,622
Median$95,145
P75$101,922
P90 (Top)$124,579
Rochester
P10 (Entry)$88,519
P25$105,975
Median$105,975
P75$105,975
P90 (Top)$121,845

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($116,686 effective) pays 20.80% more than Richfield ($96,594 effective).

Richfield
Nominal: $95,145
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $96,594
Rochester
Nominal: $105,975
CoL Index: 90.821
Adjusted: $116,686

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Richfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($124,579)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Rochester if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,975/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,686)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Richfield grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.

Richfield, MN

+8.5%

$83,491 (2024) → $90,588 (2025)

Rochester, MN

+15.6%

$87,256 (2024) → $100,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Richfield or Rochester?

Rochester has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $105,975/year, compared to Richfield at $95,145/year — a difference of $10,830 (11.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richfield and Rochester?

Richfield magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.74/hr while Rochester hygienists earn $50.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richfield to Rochester as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richfield and Rochester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richfield = $96,594, Rochester = $116,686), job availability (9 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Richfield vs Rochester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73,553 in Richfield and $88,519 in Rochester. The Rochester 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