MRI Technologist Pay

Fitchburg vs Madison: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Fitchburg, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fitchburg, WI
$93,117
$44.76/hr
Madison, WI
$99,379
$47.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFitchburg, WIMadison, WI
Median Salary$93,117$99,379
Hourly Rate$44.76$47.78
Entry Level (P10)$69,601$84,077
25th Percentile$79,789$87,606
75th Percentile$103,405$105,146
Top Earner (P90)$121,722$107,582
Total Employed640
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fitchburg ($93,117) and Madison ($99,379) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.FitchburgMadisonMedian Salary$93,117$99,379Entry Level (P10)$69,601$84,077Top Earner (P90)$121,722$107,582US Median $100,283

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fitchburg.

The salary gap between Fitchburg and Madison is $6,262 (6.72%). Madison's median is -0.90% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fitchburg spans $52,121,Madison spans $23,505. Fitchburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fitchburg
P10 (Entry)$69,601
P25$79,789
Median$93,117
P75$103,405
P90 (Top)$121,722
Madison
P10 (Entry)$84,077
P25$87,606
Median$99,379
P75$105,146
P90 (Top)$107,582

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($102,150 effective) pays 2.46% more than Fitchburg ($99,697 effective).

Fitchburg
Nominal: $93,117
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $99,697
Madison
Nominal: $99,379
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $102,150

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fitchburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($121,722)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,379/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,150)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Fitchburg grew 19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Madison over the same period.

Fitchburg, WI

+19.3%

$74,285 (2024) → $88,658 (2025)

Madison, WI

+30.3%

$72,620 (2019) → $94,620 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Fitchburg or Madison?

Madison has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $99,379/year, compared to Fitchburg at $93,117/year — a difference of $6,262 (6.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fitchburg and Madison?

Fitchburg magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $44.76/hr while Madison hygienists earn $47.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fitchburg to Madison as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fitchburg and Madison. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fitchburg = $99,697, Madison = $102,150), job availability (6 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Fitchburg vs Madison?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $69,601 in Fitchburg and $84,077 in Madison. The Madison 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