MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Athens, GA
$96,691
$46.49/hr
Tucker, GA
$88,043
$42.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAthens, GATucker, GA
Median Salary$96,691$88,043
Hourly Rate$46.49$42.33
Entry Level (P10)$70,370$66,471
25th Percentile$84,738$75,930
75th Percentile$99,936$96,347
Top Earner (P90)$113,453$112,753
Total Employed508
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Athens ($96,691) and Tucker ($88,043) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AthensTuckerMedian Salary$96,691$88,043Entry Level (P10)$70,370$66,471Top Earner (P90)$113,453$112,753US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Athens and Tucker is $8,648 (9.82%). 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,Tucker spans $46,282. Tucker 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
Tucker
P10 (Entry)$66,471
P25$75,930
Median$88,043
P75$96,347
P90 (Top)$112,753

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($103,587 effective) pays 9.54% more than Tucker ($94,568 effective).

Athens
Nominal: $96,691
CoL Index: 93.343
Adjusted: $103,587
Tucker
Nominal: $88,043
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $94,568

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,453)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,587)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Tucker if…

  • 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 Tucker over the same period.

Athens, GA

+9.1%

$84,390 (2024) → $92,060 (2025)

Tucker, GA

+24.7%

$67,225 (2024) → $83,827 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Athens has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $96,691/year, compared to Tucker at $88,043/year — a difference of $8,648 (9.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Tucker?

Athens magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $46.49/hr while Tucker hygienists earn $42.33/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Athens and Tucker. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Athens = $103,587, Tucker = $94,568), job availability (50 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $70,370 in Athens and $66,471 in Tucker. 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