MRI Technologist Pay

Anchorage vs Wasilla: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Anchorage, AK and Wasilla, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Anchorage, AK
$127,779
$61.43/hr
Wasilla, AK
$98,364
$47.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnchorage, AKWasilla, AK
Median Salary$127,779$98,364
Hourly Rate$61.43$47.30
Entry Level (P10)$101,018$77,195
25th Percentile$104,946$84,441
75th Percentile$131,928$106,310
Top Earner (P90)$132,999$122,754
Total Employed704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anchorage ($127,779) and Wasilla ($98,364) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AnchorageWasillaMedian Salary$127,779$98,364Entry Level (P10)$101,018$77,195Top Earner (P90)$132,999$122,754US Median $100,283

Verdict

Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wasilla.

The salary gap between Anchorage and Wasilla is $29,415 (29.90%). Anchorage's median is +27.42% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $31,981,Wasilla spans $45,559. Wasilla has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Anchorage
P10 (Entry)$101,018
P25$104,946
Median$127,779
P75$131,928
P90 (Top)$132,999
Wasilla
P10 (Entry)$77,195
P25$84,441
Median$98,364
P75$106,310
P90 (Top)$122,754

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($121,209 effective) pays 30.74% more than Wasilla ($92,709 effective).

Anchorage
Nominal: $127,779
CoL Index: 105.42
Adjusted: $121,209
Wasilla
Nominal: $98,364
CoL Index: 106.1
Adjusted: $92,709

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anchorage if…

  • Higher median salary ($127,779/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($132,999)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,209)
  • You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle

Choose Wasilla if…

  • You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Anchorage grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Wasilla over the same period.

Anchorage, AK

+32.5%

$91,820 (2019) → $121,660 (2025)

Wasilla, AK

+1.6%

$92,201 (2024) → $93,653 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Anchorage or Wasilla?

Anchorage has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $127,779/year, compared to Wasilla at $98,364/year — a difference of $29,415 (29.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Wasilla?

Anchorage magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $61.43/hr while Wasilla hygienists earn $47.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anchorage to Wasilla as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anchorage and Wasilla. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anchorage = $121,209, Wasilla = $92,709), job availability (70 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Anchorage vs Wasilla?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $101,018 in Anchorage and $77,195 in Wasilla. The Anchorage 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