MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Beckley, WV
$80,812
$38.85/hr
Morgantown, WV
$83,048
$39.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBeckley, WVMorgantown, WV
Median Salary$80,812$83,048
Hourly Rate$38.85$39.92
Entry Level (P10)$64,555$63,730
25th Percentile$71,958$72,384
75th Percentile$85,159$93,408
Top Earner (P90)$104,825$110,506
Total Employed48
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Beckley ($80,812) and Morgantown ($83,048) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BeckleyMorgantownMedian Salary$80,812$83,048Entry Level (P10)$64,555$63,730Top Earner (P90)$104,825$110,506US Median $100,283

Verdict

Morgantown, 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 Morgantown is $2,236 (2.77%). Morgantown's median is -17.19% 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,Morgantown spans $46,776. Morgantown 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
Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$63,730
P25$72,384
Median$83,048
P75$93,408
P90 (Top)$110,506

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($96,009 effective) pays 2.77% more than Beckley ($93,424 effective).

Beckley
Nominal: $80,812
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $93,424
Morgantown
Nominal: $83,048
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $96,009

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 Morgantown if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,048/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,506)
  • Larger job market (8 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,009)
  • 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 49.2% growth in Morgantown over the same period.

Beckley, WV

+49.2%

$51,574 (2024) → $76,942 (2025)

Morgantown, WV

+49.2%

$53,001 (2024) → $79,071 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Morgantown has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $83,048/year, compared to Beckley at $80,812/year — a difference of $2,236 (2.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Morgantown?

Beckley magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $38.85/hr while Morgantown hygienists earn $39.92/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Beckley and Morgantown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Beckley = $93,424, Morgantown = $96,009), job availability (4 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,555 in Beckley and $63,730 in Morgantown. The Beckley 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