MRI Technologist Pay

SeaTac vs Spokane: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between SeaTac, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

SeaTac, WA
$105,538
$50.74/hr
Spokane, WA
$114,021
$54.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeaTac, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$105,538$114,021
Hourly Rate$50.74$54.82
Entry Level (P10)$75,877$83,446
25th Percentile$88,539$106,490
75th Percentile$112,927$127,317
Top Earner (P90)$141,710$137,400
Total Employed6120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing SeaTac ($105,538) and Spokane ($114,021) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.SeaTacSpokaneMedian Salary$105,538$114,021Entry Level (P10)$75,877$83,446Top Earner (P90)$141,710$137,400US Median $100,283

Verdict

Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to SeaTac.

The salary gap between SeaTac and Spokane is $8,483 (8.04%). Spokane's median is +13.70% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in SeaTac spans $65,833,Spokane spans $53,954. SeaTac has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

SeaTac
P10 (Entry)$75,877
P25$88,539
Median$105,538
P75$112,927
P90 (Top)$141,710
Spokane
P10 (Entry)$83,446
P25$106,490
Median$114,021
P75$127,317
P90 (Top)$137,400

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($113,628 effective) pays 15.63% more than SeaTac ($98,266 effective).

SeaTac
Nominal: $105,538
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $98,266
Spokane
Nominal: $114,021
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $113,628

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose SeaTac if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($141,710)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Higher median salary ($114,021/year)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,628)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in SeaTac grew -11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Spokane over the same period.

SeaTac, WA

+-11.6%

$113,660 (2024) → $100,484 (2025)

Spokane, WA

+28.8%

$84,310 (2019) → $108,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: SeaTac or Spokane?

Spokane has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $114,021/year, compared to SeaTac at $105,538/year — a difference of $8,483 (8.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between SeaTac and Spokane?

SeaTac magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $50.74/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $54.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from SeaTac to Spokane as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing SeaTac and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: SeaTac = $98,266, Spokane = $113,628), job availability (6 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in SeaTac vs Spokane?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $75,877 in SeaTac and $83,446 in Spokane. The Spokane area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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