Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Washington: $122,000 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Washington's 50 metropolitan areas, the average median magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay sits at $122,000/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2035. Because Washington sits at BEA RPP 107.4 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $113,594 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bellevue ($131,739), Seattle ($130,460), Tacoma ($128,284).
In Washington, magnetic resonance imaging technologists are projected to earn an average median salary of $122,000 in 2026, which is 21.7% higher than the national median of $100,283. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with the highest-paying city being Bellevue at $138,365 and the lowest-paying city, Tukwila, at $99,553. This nearly $39,000 difference in pay can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, regional demand for qualified professionals, and availability of advanced medical facilities. The job market for MRI technologists in Washington is strong, with a total employment of 1,250 professionals and a projected annual growth rate of 5.03%, indicating a healthy demand for skilled technologists in the coming years. Factors driving this demand include advancements in medical imaging technology, an aging population requiring more diagnostic services, and ongoing changes in healthcare policies that emphasize imaging services. Licensing requirements in Washington necessitate certification and compliance with state regulations, which can impact job opportunities and salary levels. As such, those pursuing a career in this field should consider both the regional economic factors and the educational pathways that can enhance their qualifications.
Washington Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Washington: $72,567 (lowest entry-level) to $195,252 (highest top earner)
Washington vs National Average
Washington magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn 21.66% more than the national median (+$21,717/year difference).
Washington Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salaries in Washington range from $90,368 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $157,220 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $122,000. The Washington median is $21,717 above the US national median of $100,283. The average hourly rate is $58.65/hr. Approximately 1,250 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed across 50 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$99,672
2025 BLS Actual
$116,157
2026 Current Est.
$122,000
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,739 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,365 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,729 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,157 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,000 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,136 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 16.5% from $99,672 (2019) to $116,157 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,136 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,464 (28.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Washington
Lowest Paying Cities in Washington
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Tukwila | $99,553 |
| Mountlake Terrace | $99,707 |
| Covington | $101,108 |
| Kenmore | $101,117 |
| Oak Harbor | $101,772 |
Best Value Cities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Washington
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Washington cities offer the most purchasing power for magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | $138,365 | 107.4 | $128,831 |
| Tacoma | $134,737 | 107.4 | $125,453 |
| Seattle | $137,022 | 111.133 | $123,296 |
| Olympia | $125,311 | 103.67 | $120,875 |
| Vancouver | $127,535 | 107.4 | $118,748 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $90,368 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $122,000 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $157,220 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Washington metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 50 Cities in Washington
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bellevue | $138,365 |
| 2 | Seattle | $137,022 |
| 3 | Tacoma | $134,737 |
| 4 | Vancouver | $127,535 |
| 5 | Tumwater | $126,459 |
| 6 | Olympia | $125,311 |
| 7 | Lacey | $124,284 |
| 8 | Spokane Valley | $116,215 |
| 9 | Spokane | $114,021 |
| 10 | Renton | $110,517 |
| 11 | Yakima | $109,641 |
| 12 | Everett | $109,447 |
| 13 | Richland | $108,849 |
| 14 | Marysville | $108,627 |
| 15 | Shoreline | $108,031 |
| 16 | Bellingham | $107,613 |
| 17 | Redmond | $107,603 |
| 18 | Kent | $107,515 |
| 19 | Kirkland | $107,340 |
| 20 | Burien | $107,203 |
| 21 | Kennewick | $106,853 |
| 22 | Federal Way | $106,731 |
| 23 | Des Moines | $106,708 |
| 24 | Auburn | $106,461 |
| 25 | Lakewood | $106,418 |
| 26 | Issaquah | $106,358 |
| 27 | Sammamish | $105,659 |
| 28 | University Place | $105,622 |
| 29 | SeaTac | $105,538 |
| 30 | Pasco | $105,088 |
| 31 | Longview | $105,037 |
| 32 | Mount Vernon | $104,770 |
| 33 | Edmonds | $104,444 |
| 34 | Lake Stevens | $104,168 |
| 35 | Lynnwood | $104,102 |
| 36 | Moses Lake | $103,901 |
| 37 | Bothell | $103,825 |
| 38 | Pullman | $103,365 |
| 39 | Puyallup | $103,131 |
| 40 | Ellensburg | $102,745 |
| 41 | Maple Valley | $102,463 |
| 42 | Bremerton | $102,354 |
| 43 | Walla Walla | $102,237 |
| 44 | Camas | $102,204 |
| 45 | Wenatchee | $102,121 |
| 46 | Oak Harbor | $101,772 |
| 47 | Kenmore | $101,117 |
| 48 | Covington | $101,108 |
| 49 | Mountlake Terrace | $99,707 |
| 50 | Tukwila | $99,553 |
More Washington Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Washington cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Compare Cities in Washington
View all comparisons →Explore More Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Washington in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Washington?
How does Washington magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Washington?
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed in Washington?
Which Washington city offers the best value for magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
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.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation across Washington. State averages are employment-weighted across 50 metro areas — larger metro areas with more magnetic resonance imaging technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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