MRI Technologist Pay

Albany vs Atlanta: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Albany, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albany, GA
$91,811
$44.14/hr
Atlanta, GA
$105,219
$50.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, GAAtlanta, GA
Median Salary$91,811$105,219
Hourly Rate$44.14$50.58
Entry Level (P10)$63,017$87,206
25th Percentile$80,328$90,662
75th Percentile$100,856$111,206
Top Earner (P90)$119,290$128,903
Total Employed121,010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($91,811) and Atlanta ($105,219) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AlbanyAtlantaMedian Salary$91,811$105,219Entry Level (P10)$63,017$87,206Top Earner (P90)$119,290$128,903US Median $100,283

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.

The salary gap between Albany and Atlanta is $13,408 (14.60%). Atlanta's median is +4.92% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $56,273,Atlanta spans $41,697. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albany
P10 (Entry)$63,017
P25$80,328
Median$91,811
P75$100,856
P90 (Top)$119,290
Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$87,206
P25$90,662
Median$105,219
P75$111,206
P90 (Top)$128,903

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($105,158 effective) pays 6.63% more than Albany ($98,615 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $91,811
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $98,615
Atlanta
Nominal: $105,219
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $105,158

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albany if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,219/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,903)
  • Larger job market (1,010 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,158)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Albany grew 24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Atlanta over the same period.

Albany, GA

+24.7%

$70,102 (2024) → $87,414 (2025)

Atlanta, GA

+36.4%

$73,450 (2019) → $100,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Albany or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $105,219/year, compared to Albany at $91,811/year — a difference of $13,408 (14.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Atlanta?

Albany magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.14/hr while Atlanta hygienists earn $50.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Atlanta as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Atlanta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $98,615, Atlanta = $105,158), job availability (12 vs 1,010 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Albany vs Atlanta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,017 in Albany and $87,206 in Atlanta. The Atlanta 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