MRI Technologist Pay

Beckley vs Huntington: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Beckley, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Beckley, WV
$80,812
$38.85/hr
Huntington, WV
$93,487
$44.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBeckley, WVHuntington, WV
Median Salary$80,812$93,487
Hourly Rate$38.85$44.94
Entry Level (P10)$64,555$71,830
25th Percentile$71,958$82,501
75th Percentile$85,159$100,283
Top Earner (P90)$104,825$116,678
Total Employed460
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Beckley ($80,812) and Huntington ($93,487) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BeckleyHuntingtonMedian Salary$80,812$93,487Entry Level (P10)$64,555$71,830Top Earner (P90)$104,825$116,678US Median $100,283

Verdict

Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Beckley.

The salary gap between Beckley and Huntington is $12,675 (15.68%). Huntington's median is -6.78% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beckley spans $40,270,Huntington spans $44,848. Huntington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Beckley
P10 (Entry)$64,555
P25$71,958
Median$80,812
P75$85,159
P90 (Top)$104,825
Huntington
P10 (Entry)$71,830
P25$82,501
Median$93,487
P75$100,283
P90 (Top)$116,678

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntington ($105,728 effective) pays 13.17% more than Beckley ($93,424 effective).

Beckley
Nominal: $80,812
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $93,424
Huntington
Nominal: $93,487
CoL Index: 88.422
Adjusted: $105,728

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Beckley if…

  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Huntington if…

  • Higher median salary ($93,487/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($116,678)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,728)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Beckley grew 49.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.1% growth in Huntington over the same period.

Beckley, WV

+49.2%

$51,574 (2024) → $76,942 (2025)

Huntington, WV

+49.1%

$59,680 (2021) → $89,010 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Beckley or Huntington?

Huntington has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $93,487/year, compared to Beckley at $80,812/year — a difference of $12,675 (15.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Huntington?

Beckley magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $38.85/hr while Huntington hygienists earn $44.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Beckley to Huntington as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Beckley and Huntington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Beckley = $93,424, Huntington = $105,728), job availability (4 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Beckley vs Huntington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,555 in Beckley and $71,830 in Huntington. The Huntington 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