MRI Technologist Pay

Atlanta vs Macon: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Atlanta, GA
$105,219
$50.58/hr
Macon, GA
$91,390
$43.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAMacon, GA
Median Salary$105,219$91,390
Hourly Rate$50.58$43.93
Entry Level (P10)$87,206$64,812
25th Percentile$90,662$76,530
75th Percentile$111,206$102,076
Top Earner (P90)$128,903$122,743
Total Employed1,01030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($105,219) and Macon ($91,390) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AtlantaMaconMedian Salary$105,219$91,390Entry Level (P10)$87,206$64,812Top Earner (P90)$128,903$122,743US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Atlanta and Macon is $13,829 (15.13%). Atlanta's median is +4.92% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $41,697,Macon spans $57,931. Macon has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$87,206
P25$90,662
Median$105,219
P75$111,206
P90 (Top)$128,903
Macon
P10 (Entry)$64,812
P25$76,530
Median$91,390
P75$102,076
P90 (Top)$122,743

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($105,158 effective) pays 7.13% more than Macon ($98,163 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $105,219
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $105,158
Macon
Nominal: $91,390
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $98,163

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,219/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,903)
  • Larger job market (1,010 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,158)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Macon 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 Atlanta grew 36.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.7% growth in Macon over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+36.4%

$73,450 (2019) → $100,180 (2025)

Macon, GA

+43.7%

$60,550 (2021) → $87,013 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Atlanta or Macon?

Atlanta has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $105,219/year, compared to Macon at $91,390/year — a difference of $13,829 (15.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Macon?

Atlanta magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $50.58/hr while Macon hygienists earn $43.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Macon as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Macon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $105,158, Macon = $98,163), job availability (1,010 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Atlanta vs Macon?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $87,206 in Atlanta and $64,812 in Macon. The Atlanta 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