MRI Technologist Pay

Seattle vs Spokane Valley: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Seattle, WA
$137,022
$65.87/hr
Spokane Valley, WA
$116,215
$55.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WASpokane Valley, WA
Median Salary$137,022$116,215
Hourly Rate$65.87$55.88
Entry Level (P10)$104,904$81,572
25th Percentile$130,542$96,325
75th Percentile$164,572$131,537
Top Earner (P90)$171,924$158,399
Total Employed46021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($137,022) and Spokane Valley ($116,215) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.SeattleSpokane ValleyMedian Salary$137,022$116,215Entry Level (P10)$104,904$81,572Top Earner (P90)$171,924$158,399US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Seattle and Spokane Valley is $20,807 (17.90%). Seattle's median is +36.64% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $67,020,Spokane Valley spans $76,827. Spokane Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Seattle
P10 (Entry)$104,904
P25$130,542
Median$137,022
P75$164,572
P90 (Top)$171,924
Spokane Valley
P10 (Entry)$81,572
P25$96,325
Median$116,215
P75$131,537
P90 (Top)$158,399

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($123,296 effective) pays 13.94% more than Spokane Valley ($108,208 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $137,022
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $123,296
Spokane Valley
Nominal: $116,215
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $108,208

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($137,022/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($171,924)
  • Larger job market (460 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,296)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane Valley if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Seattle grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.3% growth in Spokane Valley over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+28.2%

$101,780 (2019) → $130,460 (2025)

Spokane Valley, WA

+-7.3%

$119,406 (2024) → $110,649 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Seattle has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $137,022/year, compared to Spokane Valley at $116,215/year — a difference of $20,807 (17.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Spokane Valley?

Seattle magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $65.87/hr while Spokane Valley hygienists earn $55.88/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and Spokane Valley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $123,296, Spokane Valley = $108,208), job availability (460 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $104,904 in Seattle and $81,572 in Spokane Valley. The Seattle 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