Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Appleton, WI: $92,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Appleton, WI earns a median $92,574/year (≈ $44.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Appleton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $99,116 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the anticipated median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Appleton, Wisconsin, is projected to be $92,574. When comparing local salaries to national figures, Appleton's pay is about 7.69% lower than the national median of $100,283, reflecting the regional market dynamics. The salary range for technologists in this area spans from $63,185 at the 10th percentile to $120,074 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for local economic conditions, indicate a competitive job market, particularly for those specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. Aspiring MRI technologists in Appleton should consider the value of subspecialty credentials, as they can lead to higher earning potential in this evolving field.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,185 | $30.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,729 | $38.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,574 | $44.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,287 | $48.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,074 | $57.72 |
Median Salary Position
7.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Appleton
In Appleton, WI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,889 (2026 est.). At $92,574, the local median is 7.69% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Appleton: You'd be above the median
How Appleton Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Appleton median: $92,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Appleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $93,699 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -7.69% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Appleton, WI earn a median of $92,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.69% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $93,699.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Appleton has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Appleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $92,574 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,116 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,767
2025 BLS Actual
$88,141
2026 Current Est.
$92,574
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,851 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Appleton metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $67,767 (2019) to $88,141 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,464 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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) | $63,185 – $80,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,729 – $92,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,574 – $101,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,287 – $120,074 |
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 Appleton
In evaluating the job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Appleton, it's noteworthy that only 17 professionals are currently employed in this specialty, indicating a relatively small but potentially stable local workforce. The regional cost-of-living index of 93.4 suggests that while salaries may be lower compared to the national average, purchasing power remains favorable. Employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI imaging centers, and orthopedic practices dominate the landscape, with salary variations driven by subspecialty expertise, the demand for weekend and night shifts, and call coverage requirements. To enhance earnings, technologists should pursue further certification such as MRSO and engage in specialized areas that offer premium pay like cardiac MRI and mobile MRI services. Strategic negotiation based on the specifics of job offers can also be advantageous in maximizing compensation in the local market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Appleton, WI.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $88,141 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Appleton 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 Appleton 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