MRI Technologist Pay

Athens vs Johns Creek: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Athens, GA
$96,691
$46.49/hr
Johns Creek, GA
$90,578
$43.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAthens, GAJohns Creek, GA
Median Salary$96,691$90,578
Hourly Rate$46.49$43.55
Entry Level (P10)$70,370$67,469
25th Percentile$84,738$77,788
75th Percentile$99,936$101,354
Top Earner (P90)$113,453$121,238
Total Employed5018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Athens ($96,691) and Johns Creek ($90,578) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AthensJohns CreekMedian Salary$96,691$90,578Entry Level (P10)$70,370$67,469Top Earner (P90)$113,453$121,238US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Athens and Johns Creek is $6,113 (6.75%). Athens's median is -3.58% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $43,083,Johns Creek spans $53,769. Johns Creek has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Athens
P10 (Entry)$70,370
P25$84,738
Median$96,691
P75$99,936
P90 (Top)$113,453
Johns Creek
P10 (Entry)$67,469
P25$77,788
Median$90,578
P75$101,354
P90 (Top)$121,238

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($103,587 effective) pays 6.47% more than Johns Creek ($97,291 effective).

Athens
Nominal: $96,691
CoL Index: 93.343
Adjusted: $103,587
Johns Creek
Nominal: $90,578
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $97,291

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Athens if…

  • Higher median salary ($96,691/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,587)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Johns Creek if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($121,238)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Athens grew 9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Johns Creek over the same period.

Athens, GA

+9.1%

$84,390 (2024) → $92,060 (2025)

Johns Creek, GA

+24.7%

$69,160 (2024) → $86,240 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Athens or Johns Creek?

Athens has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $96,691/year, compared to Johns Creek at $90,578/year — a difference of $6,113 (6.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Johns Creek?

Athens magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.49/hr while Johns Creek hygienists earn $43.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Athens to Johns Creek as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Athens and Johns Creek. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Athens = $103,587, Johns Creek = $97,291), job availability (50 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Athens vs Johns Creek?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $70,370 in Athens and $67,469 in Johns Creek. The Athens 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