Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Wauwatosa, WI: $88,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wauwatosa, WI earns a median $88,793/year (≈ $42.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Wauwatosa's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $95,067 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Wauwatosa is projected to be $88,793 annually, a figure that falls below the national median of $100,283. The full salary range for this occupation in the area spans from $66,720 at the 10th percentile to $116,484 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the competition for skilled MRI technologists. The variability in compensation can be attributed to factors like shift differentials and on-call requirements, which are particularly prevalent in hospital settings, where salaries can peak significantly, especially for those working nights and weekends.
About the Wauwatosa Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,720 | $32.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,344 | $36.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,793 | $42.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,855 | $47.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,484 | $56.00 |
Median Salary Position
11.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wauwatosa
In Wauwatosa, WI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,764 (2026 est.). At $88,793, the local median is 11.46% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wauwatosa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wauwatosa Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Wauwatosa median: $88,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wauwatosa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $93,664 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.46% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $88,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.46% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $93,664.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wauwatosa 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.
Wauwatosa, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,793 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,067 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,000
2025 BLS Actual
$84,541
2026 Current Est.
$88,793
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,541 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,260 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wauwatosa metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $65,000 (2019) to $84,541 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,260 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,260 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wauwatosa 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) | $66,720 – $76,344 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,344 – $88,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,793 – $98,855 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,855 – $116,484 |
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 Wauwatosa
With only 10 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Wauwatosa, the local job market is relatively niche, requiring professionals to strategically assess their employment options for optimal pay. The area's cost of living index stands at 93.4, indicating a somewhat lower cost compared to national averages, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for MRI technologists. Facilities that typically offer competitive salaries include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers. Earnings can vary substantially based on subspecialties, with cardiac MRI often commanding higher pay than routine or general MRI. Shift differentials, call coverage at trauma centers, and additional certifications such as MRSO can significantly impact salaries. To maximize earning potential, technologists should consider continuous training, seek opportunities in facilities with higher pay scales, and explore roles that include on-call responsibilities or specialized certifications, such as cardiac MRI and mpMRI, to enhance their professional value in Wauwatosa, WI.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wauwatosa, WI in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Wauwatosa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Wauwatosa?
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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 $84,541 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa 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