MRI Technologist Pay

Sahuarita vs Tucson: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Sahuarita, AZ
$95,359
$45.85/hr
Tucson, AZ
$111,458
$53.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSahuarita, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$95,359$111,458
Hourly Rate$45.85$53.59
Entry Level (P10)$74,372$83,247
25th Percentile$84,071$105,681
75th Percentile$102,441$111,458
Top Earner (P90)$124,977$125,469
Total Employed580
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sahuarita ($95,359) and Tucson ($111,458) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.SahuaritaTucsonMedian Salary$95,359$111,458Entry Level (P10)$74,372$83,247Top Earner (P90)$124,977$125,469US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Sahuarita and Tucson is $16,099 (16.88%). Tucson's median is +11.14% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sahuarita spans $50,605,Tucson spans $42,222. Sahuarita has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Sahuarita
P10 (Entry)$74,372
P25$84,071
Median$95,359
P75$102,441
P90 (Top)$124,977
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$83,247
P25$105,681
Median$111,458
P75$111,458
P90 (Top)$125,469

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($115,028 effective) pays 18.82% more than Sahuarita ($96,811 effective).

Sahuarita
Nominal: $95,359
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $96,811
Tucson
Nominal: $111,458
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $115,028

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Sahuarita if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,458/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($125,469)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,028)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Sahuarita grew 11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Sahuarita, AZ

+11.0%

$81,778 (2024) → $90,792 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+31.8%

$80,500 (2019) → $106,120 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Sahuarita or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $111,458/year, compared to Sahuarita at $95,359/year — a difference of $16,099 (16.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sahuarita and Tucson?

Sahuarita magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.85/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $53.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sahuarita to Tucson as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sahuarita and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sahuarita = $96,811, Tucson = $115,028), job availability (5 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Sahuarita vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $74,372 in Sahuarita and $83,247 in Tucson. The Tucson 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