MRI Technologist Pay

Augusta vs Lewiston: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Augusta, ME and Lewiston, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, ME
$94,186
$45.28/hr
Lewiston, ME
$98,392
$47.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, MELewiston, ME
Median Salary$94,186$98,392
Hourly Rate$45.28$47.31
Entry Level (P10)$74,250$72,024
25th Percentile$83,148$83,187
75th Percentile$103,917$108,024
Top Earner (P90)$121,309$127,075
Total Employed47
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($94,186) and Lewiston ($98,392) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AugustaLewistonMedian Salary$94,186$98,392Entry Level (P10)$74,250$72,024Top Earner (P90)$121,309$127,075US Median $100,283

Verdict

Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.

The salary gap between Augusta and Lewiston is $4,206 (4.47%). Lewiston's median is -1.89% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $47,059,Lewiston spans $55,051. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$74,250
P25$83,148
Median$94,186
P75$103,917
P90 (Top)$121,309
Lewiston
P10 (Entry)$72,024
P25$83,187
Median$98,392
P75$108,024
P90 (Top)$127,075

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($98,787 effective) pays 4.47% more than Augusta ($94,564 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $94,186
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $94,564
Lewiston
Nominal: $98,392
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $98,787

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Lewiston if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,392/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,075)
  • Larger job market (7 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,787)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Augusta grew 16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Lewiston over the same period.

Augusta, ME

+16.4%

$77,014 (2024) → $89,675 (2025)

Lewiston, ME

+16.4%

$80,455 (2024) → $93,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Augusta or Lewiston?

Lewiston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $98,392/year, compared to Augusta at $94,186/year — a difference of $4,206 (4.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Lewiston?

Augusta magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.28/hr while Lewiston hygienists earn $47.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Lewiston as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Lewiston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $94,564, Lewiston = $98,787), job availability (4 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Augusta vs Lewiston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $74,250 in Augusta and $72,024 in Lewiston. The Augusta 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