MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Spokane Valley, WA
$116,215
$55.88/hr
Tacoma, WA
$134,737
$64.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpokane Valley, WATacoma, WA
Median Salary$116,215$134,737
Hourly Rate$55.88$64.78
Entry Level (P10)$81,572$94,630
25th Percentile$96,325$112,292
75th Percentile$131,537$156,902
Top Earner (P90)$158,399$192,939
Total Employed2156
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Spokane Valley ($116,215) and Tacoma ($134,737) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Spokane ValleyTacomaMedian Salary$116,215$134,737Entry Level (P10)$81,572$94,630Top Earner (P90)$158,399$192,939US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Spokane Valley and Tacoma is $18,522 (15.94%). Tacoma's median is +34.36% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane Valley spans $76,827,Tacoma spans $98,309. Tacoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Spokane Valley
P10 (Entry)$81,572
P25$96,325
Median$116,215
P75$131,537
P90 (Top)$158,399
Tacoma
P10 (Entry)$94,630
P25$112,292
Median$134,737
P75$156,902
P90 (Top)$192,939

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tacoma ($125,453 effective) pays 15.94% more than Spokane Valley ($108,208 effective).

Spokane Valley
Nominal: $116,215
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $108,208
Tacoma
Nominal: $134,737
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $125,453

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Spokane Valley if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Tacoma if…

  • Higher median salary ($134,737/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($192,939)
  • Larger job market (56 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,453)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Spokane Valley grew -7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Tacoma over the same period.

Spokane Valley, WA

+-7.3%

$119,406 (2024) → $110,649 (2025)

Tacoma, WA

+9.2%

$117,479 (2024) → $128,284 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Tacoma has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $134,737/year, compared to Spokane Valley at $116,215/year — a difference of $18,522 (15.94%).

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

Spokane Valley magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $55.88/hr while Tacoma hygienists earn $64.78/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Spokane Valley and Tacoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Spokane Valley = $108,208, Tacoma = $125,453), job availability (21 vs 56 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $81,572 in Spokane Valley and $94,630 in Tacoma. The Tacoma 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