MRI Technologist Pay

Morgantown vs South Charleston: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Morgantown, WV
$83,048
$39.92/hr
South Charleston, WV
$83,096
$39.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVSouth Charleston, WV
Median Salary$83,048$83,096
Hourly Rate$39.92$39.95
Entry Level (P10)$63,730$63,267
25th Percentile$72,384$71,728
75th Percentile$93,408$88,386
Top Earner (P90)$110,506$101,701
Total Employed85
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($83,048) and South Charleston ($83,096) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MorgantownSouth CharlestonMedian Salary$83,048$83,096Entry Level (P10)$63,730$63,267Top Earner (P90)$110,506$101,701US Median $100,283

Verdict

Morgantown and South Charleston are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $48 (0.06%). South Charleston's median is -17.14% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $46,776,South Charleston spans $38,434. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$63,730
P25$72,384
Median$83,048
P75$93,408
P90 (Top)$110,506
South Charleston
P10 (Entry)$63,267
P25$71,728
Median$83,096
P75$88,386
P90 (Top)$101,701

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, South Charleston ($96,065 effective) pays 0.06% more than Morgantown ($96,009 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $83,048
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $96,009
South Charleston
Nominal: $83,096
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $96,065

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($110,506)
  • Larger job market (8 employed)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose South Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,096/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,065)
  • 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 Morgantown grew 49.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in South Charleston over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+49.2%

$53,001 (2024) → $79,071 (2025)

South Charleston, WV

+49.2%

$53,031 (2024) → $79,116 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

South Charleston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $83,096/year, compared to Morgantown at $83,048/year — a difference of $48 (0.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and South Charleston?

Morgantown magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.92/hr while South Charleston hygienists earn $39.95/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and South Charleston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $96,009, South Charleston = $96,065), job availability (8 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,730 in Morgantown and $63,267 in South Charleston. The Morgantown 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