MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Morgantown, WV
$83,048
$39.92/hr
Wheeling, WV
$82,630
$39.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVWheeling, WV
Median Salary$83,048$82,630
Hourly Rate$39.92$39.72
Entry Level (P10)$63,730$62,646
25th Percentile$72,384$71,520
75th Percentile$93,408$90,610
Top Earner (P90)$110,506$106,230
Total Employed85
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($83,048) and Wheeling ($82,630) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.MorgantownWheelingMedian Salary$83,048$82,630Entry Level (P10)$63,730$62,646Top Earner (P90)$110,506$106,230US Median $100,283

Verdict

Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.

The salary gap between Morgantown and Wheeling is $418 (0.51%). 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 Morgantown spans $46,776,Wheeling spans $43,584. 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
Wheeling
P10 (Entry)$62,646
P25$71,520
Median$82,630
P75$90,610
P90 (Top)$106,230

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($96,009 effective) pays 0.51% more than Wheeling ($95,526 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $83,048
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $96,009
Wheeling
Nominal: $82,630
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $95,526

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Wheeling if…

  • 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 Wheeling over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+49.2%

$53,001 (2024) → $79,071 (2025)

Wheeling, WV

+49.2%

$52,735 (2024) → $78,673 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Morgantown has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $83,048/year, compared to Wheeling at $82,630/year — a difference of $418 (0.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Wheeling?

Morgantown magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.92/hr while Wheeling hygienists earn $39.72/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and Wheeling. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $96,009, Wheeling = $95,526), job availability (8 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,730 in Morgantown and $62,646 in Wheeling. 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