MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Rochester, MN
$105,975
$50.95/hr
Winona, MN
$93,611
$45.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRochester, MNWinona, MN
Median Salary$105,975$93,611
Hourly Rate$50.95$45.01
Entry Level (P10)$88,519$70,291
25th Percentile$105,975$80,450
75th Percentile$105,975$102,023
Top Earner (P90)$121,845$119,665
Total Employed504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Rochester ($105,975) and Winona ($93,611) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.RochesterWinonaMedian Salary$105,975$93,611Entry Level (P10)$88,519$70,291Top Earner (P90)$121,845$119,665US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Rochester and Winona is $12,364 (13.21%). 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 Rochester spans $33,326,Winona spans $49,374. Winona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Rochester
P10 (Entry)$88,519
P25$105,975
Median$105,975
P75$105,975
P90 (Top)$121,845
Winona
P10 (Entry)$70,291
P25$80,450
Median$93,611
P75$102,023
P90 (Top)$119,665

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($116,686 effective) pays 22.78% more than Winona ($95,037 effective).

Rochester
Nominal: $105,975
CoL Index: 90.821
Adjusted: $116,686
Winona
Nominal: $93,611
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $95,037

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Rochester if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,975/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($121,845)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,686)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Winona if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Rochester, MN

+15.6%

$87,256 (2024) → $100,900 (2025)

Winona, MN

+8.5%

$82,146 (2024) → $89,128 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Rochester has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $105,975/year, compared to Winona at $93,611/year — a difference of $12,364 (13.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Winona?

Rochester magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $50.95/hr while Winona hygienists earn $45.01/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Rochester and Winona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Rochester = $116,686, Winona = $95,037), job availability (50 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $88,519 in Rochester and $70,291 in Winona. 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