MRI Technologist Pay

Milwaukee vs South Milwaukee: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Milwaukee, WI
$101,953
$49.02/hr
South Milwaukee, WI
$88,985
$42.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukee, WISouth Milwaukee, WI
Median Salary$101,953$88,985
Hourly Rate$49.02$42.78
Entry Level (P10)$75,002$66,478
25th Percentile$86,608$75,886
75th Percentile$109,672$93,780
Top Earner (P90)$110,712$115,867
Total Employed1906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukee ($101,953) and South Milwaukee ($88,985) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MilwaukeeSouth MilwaukeeMedian Salary$101,953$88,985Entry Level (P10)$75,002$66,478Top Earner (P90)$110,712$115,867US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Milwaukee and South Milwaukee is $12,968 (14.57%). Milwaukee's median is +1.67% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $35,710,South Milwaukee spans $49,389. South Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$75,002
P25$86,608
Median$101,953
P75$109,672
P90 (Top)$110,712
South Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$66,478
P25$75,886
Median$88,985
P75$93,780
P90 (Top)$115,867

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($105,174 effective) pays 10.39% more than South Milwaukee ($95,273 effective).

Milwaukee
Nominal: $101,953
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $105,174
South Milwaukee
Nominal: $88,985
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $95,273

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,953/year)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,174)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose South Milwaukee if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($115,867)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Milwaukee grew 41.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.

Milwaukee, WI

+41.9%

$68,390 (2019) → $97,070 (2025)

South Milwaukee, WI

+19.4%

$70,987 (2024) → $84,723 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Milwaukee or South Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $101,953/year, compared to South Milwaukee at $88,985/year — a difference of $12,968 (14.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and South Milwaukee?

Milwaukee magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.02/hr while South Milwaukee hygienists earn $42.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milwaukee to South Milwaukee as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukee and South Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukee = $105,174, South Milwaukee = $95,273), job availability (190 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Milwaukee vs South Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $75,002 in Milwaukee and $66,478 in South Milwaukee. The Milwaukee 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