Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $102,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Walla Walla, WA earns a median $102,237/year (≈ $49.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Walla Walla's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $95,193 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Walla Walla, the outlook for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is favorable, particularly for those specializing in cardiac MRI or neuro imaging, where a premium is often attached to their expertise. The projected median annual salary is $102,237, which is slightly higher than the national median of $100,283, reflecting the local demand for skilled professionals in this field. Walla Walla's salary range spans from $77,038 to $130,756, offering a range of opportunities for those at various stages of their careers. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. The strength of the local healthcare market contributes to a competitive environment for MRI technologists seeking well-paying roles, especially as advancements in imaging technology continue to evolve.
About the Walla Walla Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,038 | $37.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,062 | $42.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,237 | $49.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,773 | $53.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,756 | $62.86 |
Median Salary Position
1.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Walla Walla
In Walla Walla, WA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,718 (2026 est.). At $102,237, the local median is 1.95% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Walla Walla: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Walla Walla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Walla Walla median: $102,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Walla Walla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $107,732 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +1.95% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $102,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $107,732.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Walla Walla has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Walla Walla, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,237 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,193 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,841
2025 BLS Actual
$97,341
2026 Current Est.
$102,237
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,868 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,651 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,372 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,104 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,380 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Walla Walla metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $74,841 (2019) to $97,341 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,380 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,539 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Walla Walla 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,038 – $88,062 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,062 – $102,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,237 – $111,773 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,773 – $130,756 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Walla Walla
The job market in Walla Walla currently employs only six magnetic resonance imaging technologists, illustrating a tightly-knit community within the profession. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with lower living costs. Local employers that often provide the highest pay include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, such as SimonMed, alongside specialized practices like orthopedic surgery clinics equipped with on-site MRI units. Variability in salaries is driven by factors such as subspecialty demand, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and call coverage requirements. To maximize their pay, technologists should consider advancing their skills through MRSO certification or exploring roles in mobile MRI companies and travel assignments, which can often command higher premiums in an evolving market landscape.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Walla Walla, WA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Walla Walla?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,341 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Walla Walla metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Walla Walla is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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