MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Milwaukee, WI
$101,953
$49.02/hr
Wauwatosa, WI
$88,793
$42.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukee, WIWauwatosa, WI
Median Salary$101,953$88,793
Hourly Rate$49.02$42.68
Entry Level (P10)$75,002$66,720
25th Percentile$86,608$76,344
75th Percentile$109,672$98,855
Top Earner (P90)$110,712$116,484
Total Employed19010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukee ($101,953) and Wauwatosa ($88,793) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MilwaukeeWauwatosaMedian Salary$101,953$88,793Entry Level (P10)$75,002$66,720Top Earner (P90)$110,712$116,484US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa is $13,160 (14.82%). 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,Wauwatosa spans $49,764. Wauwatosa 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
Wauwatosa
P10 (Entry)$66,720
P25$76,344
Median$88,793
P75$98,855
P90 (Top)$116,484

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($105,174 effective) pays 10.63% more than Wauwatosa ($95,067 effective).

Milwaukee
Nominal: $101,953
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $105,174
Wauwatosa
Nominal: $88,793
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $95,067

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 Wauwatosa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($116,484)
  • 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 19.3% growth in Wauwatosa over the same period.

Milwaukee, WI

+41.9%

$68,390 (2019) → $97,070 (2025)

Wauwatosa, WI

+19.3%

$70,835 (2024) → $84,541 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Milwaukee has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $101,953/year, compared to Wauwatosa at $88,793/year — a difference of $13,160 (14.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa?

Milwaukee magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $49.02/hr while Wauwatosa hygienists earn $42.68/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukee = $105,174, Wauwatosa = $95,067), job availability (190 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $75,002 in Milwaukee and $66,720 in Wauwatosa. 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