Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Wausau, WI: $91,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wausau, WI earns a median $91,068/year (≈ $43.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Wausau's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $97,503 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Wausau, Wisconsin, offers a competitive projection for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, with a median annual salary standing at $91,068 for 2026. This figure places local pay approximately 9.19% below the national median of $100,283, yet it's important to consider the context of employment structures. Those working in hospitals typically earn more than their counterparts in outpatient imaging centers or mobile MRI companies. With salaries ranging from $64,296 at the 10th percentile to $120,895 at the 90th percentile, Wausau's market presents a range of opportunities for MRI professionals, underscoring the demand for skilled imaging specialists in the region.
About the Wausau Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,296 | $30.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,078 | $38.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,068 | $43.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,982 | $49.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,895 | $58.12 |
Median Salary Position
9.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wausau
In Wausau, WI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,599 (2026 est.). At $91,068, the local median is 9.19% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wausau: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wausau Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Wausau median: $91,068/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wausau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $93,692 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -9.19% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wausau, WI earn a median of $91,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $93,692.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wausau 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.
Wausau, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $91,068 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,503 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,665
2025 BLS Actual
$86,707
2026 Current Est.
$91,068
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,252 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,731 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,649 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,649 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wausau metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $66,665 (2019) to $86,707 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,649 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,984 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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) | $64,296 – $81,078 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,078 – $91,068 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,068 – $101,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,982 – $120,895 |
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 Wausau
Currently, Wausau employs around eight magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which points to a niche but vital job market. With a cost-of-living index at 93.4, earnings in this area afford a reasonable purchasing power, though it remains essential to consider how specific employment settings impact income potential. For instance, hospitals often provide the highest compensation, while specialty outpatient centers might offer lower salaries but potentially more favorable work-life balance. Factors influencing salary variation include subspecialties like cardiac MRI, demand for shift work, and certification stipends. To maximize income, pursuing certifications such as MRSO and specializing in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI can significantly enhance earning prospects in Wausau, WI.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wausau, WI in 2026?
Is Wausau, WI a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Wausau?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Wausau?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Wausau?
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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 $86,707 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Wausau 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 Wausau 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