MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Albany, GA
$91,811
$44.14/hr
Augusta, GA
$86,335
$41.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, GAAugusta, GA
Median Salary$91,811$86,335
Hourly Rate$44.14$41.51
Entry Level (P10)$63,017$70,874
25th Percentile$80,328$77,932
75th Percentile$100,856$98,917
Top Earner (P90)$119,290$109,011
Total Employed1290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($91,811) and Augusta ($86,335) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AlbanyAugustaMedian Salary$91,811$86,335Entry Level (P10)$63,017$70,874Top Earner (P90)$119,290$109,011US Median $100,283

Verdict

Albany, GA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.

The salary gap between Albany and Augusta is $5,476 (6.34%). Albany's median is -8.45% 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,Augusta spans $38,137. 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
Augusta
P10 (Entry)$70,874
P25$77,932
Median$86,335
P75$98,917
P90 (Top)$109,011

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($98,615 effective) pays 4.98% more than Augusta ($93,941 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $91,811
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $98,615
Augusta
Nominal: $86,335
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $93,941

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albany if…

  • Higher median salary ($91,811/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,290)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,615)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Augusta if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • 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 48.6% growth in Augusta over the same period.

Albany, GA

+24.7%

$70,102 (2024) → $87,414 (2025)

Augusta, GA

+48.6%

$55,300 (2019) → $82,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Albany has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $91,811/year, compared to Augusta at $86,335/year — a difference of $5,476 (6.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Augusta?

Albany magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.14/hr while Augusta hygienists earn $41.51/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Augusta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $98,615, Augusta = $93,941), job availability (12 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,017 in Albany and $70,874 in Augusta. The Augusta 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