MRI Technologist Pay

Richmond vs Springfield: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Richmond, VA and Springfield, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Richmond, VA
$103,644
$49.83/hr
Springfield, VA
$99,627
$47.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, VASpringfield, VA
Median Salary$103,644$99,627
Hourly Rate$49.83$47.89
Entry Level (P10)$82,732$77,346
25th Percentile$86,188$87,494
75th Percentile$105,954$110,398
Top Earner (P90)$106,133$130,340
Total Employed1608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($103,644) and Springfield ($99,627) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.RichmondSpringfieldMedian Salary$103,644$99,627Entry Level (P10)$82,732$77,346Top Earner (P90)$106,133$130,340US Median $100,283

Verdict

Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.

The salary gap between Richmond and Springfield is $4,017 (4.03%). Richmond's median is +3.35% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $23,401,Springfield spans $52,994. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Richmond
P10 (Entry)$82,732
P25$86,188
Median$103,644
P75$105,954
P90 (Top)$106,133
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$77,346
P25$87,494
Median$99,627
P75$110,398
P90 (Top)$130,340

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($105,913 effective) pays 9.71% more than Springfield ($96,538 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $103,644
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $105,913
Springfield
Nominal: $99,627
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $96,538

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,644/year)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,913)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($130,340)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Richmond grew 43.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Richmond, VA

+43.3%

$68,860 (2019) → $98,680 (2025)

Springfield, VA

+19.3%

$79,478 (2024) → $94,856 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Richmond or Springfield?

Richmond has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $103,644/year, compared to Springfield at $99,627/year — a difference of $4,017 (4.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Springfield?

Richmond magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.83/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $47.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Richmond to Springfield as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $105,913, Springfield = $96,538), job availability (160 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Richmond vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,732 in Richmond and $77,346 in Springfield. The Richmond area offers higher starting salaries.
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