MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Richmond, VA
$103,644
$49.83/hr
Winchester, VA
$87,070
$41.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichmond, VAWinchester, VA
Median Salary$103,644$87,070
Hourly Rate$49.83$41.86
Entry Level (P10)$82,732$42,516
25th Percentile$86,188$42,516
75th Percentile$105,954$102,520
Top Earner (P90)$106,133$102,982
Total Employed16040
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richmond ($103,644) and Winchester ($87,070) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.RichmondWinchesterMedian Salary$103,644$87,070Entry Level (P10)$82,732$42,516Top Earner (P90)$106,133$102,982US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Richmond and Winchester is $16,574 (19.04%). 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,Winchester spans $60,466. Winchester 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
Winchester
P10 (Entry)$42,516
P25$42,516
Median$87,070
P75$102,520
P90 (Top)$102,982

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($105,913 effective) pays 17.32% more than Winchester ($90,275 effective).

Richmond
Nominal: $103,644
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $105,913
Winchester
Nominal: $87,070
CoL Index: 96.45
Adjusted: $90,275

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,133)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,913)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Winchester if…

  • 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 25.6% growth in Winchester over the same period.

Richmond, VA

+43.3%

$68,860 (2019) → $98,680 (2025)

Winchester, VA

+25.6%

$65,990 (2021) → $82,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Richmond has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $103,644/year, compared to Winchester at $87,070/year — a difference of $16,574 (19.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Winchester?

Richmond magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.83/hr while Winchester hygienists earn $41.86/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richmond and Winchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richmond = $105,913, Winchester = $90,275), job availability (160 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,732 in Richmond and $42,516 in Winchester. 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