MRI Technologist Pay

Athens vs Milton: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Athens, GA
$96,691
$46.49/hr
Milton, GA
$89,137
$42.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAthens, GAMilton, GA
Median Salary$96,691$89,137
Hourly Rate$46.49$42.85
Entry Level (P10)$70,370$69,085
25th Percentile$84,738$78,195
75th Percentile$99,936$95,479
Top Earner (P90)$113,453$119,410
Total Employed509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Athens ($96,691) and Milton ($89,137) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AthensMiltonMedian Salary$96,691$89,137Entry Level (P10)$70,370$69,085Top Earner (P90)$113,453$119,410US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Athens and Milton is $7,554 (8.47%). 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,Milton spans $50,325. Milton 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
Milton
P10 (Entry)$69,085
P25$78,195
Median$89,137
P75$95,479
P90 (Top)$119,410

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($103,587 effective) pays 8.19% more than Milton ($95,743 effective).

Athens
Nominal: $96,691
CoL Index: 93.343
Adjusted: $103,587
Milton
Nominal: $89,137
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $95,743

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 Milton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($119,410)
  • 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 Milton over the same period.

Athens, GA

+9.1%

$84,390 (2024) → $92,060 (2025)

Milton, GA

+24.7%

$68,060 (2024) → $84,868 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Athens has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $96,691/year, compared to Milton at $89,137/year — a difference of $7,554 (8.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Milton?

Athens magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.49/hr while Milton hygienists earn $42.85/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Athens and Milton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Athens = $103,587, Milton = $95,743), job availability (50 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $70,370 in Athens and $69,085 in Milton. 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