MRI Technologist Pay

Cedar Rapids vs North Liberty: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and North Liberty, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cedar Rapids, IA
$90,145
$43.34/hr
North Liberty, IA
$85,492
$41.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCedar Rapids, IANorth Liberty, IA
Median Salary$90,145$85,492
Hourly Rate$43.34$41.10
Entry Level (P10)$62,855$62,786
25th Percentile$74,400$77,412
75th Percentile$101,568$94,333
Top Earner (P90)$122,557$110,124
Total Employed226
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cedar Rapids ($90,145) and North Liberty ($85,492) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Cedar RapidsNorth LibertyMedian Salary$90,145$85,492Entry Level (P10)$62,855$62,786Top Earner (P90)$122,557$110,124US Median $100,283

Verdict

Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Liberty.

The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and North Liberty is $4,653 (5.44%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.11% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $59,702,North Liberty spans $47,338. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cedar Rapids
P10 (Entry)$62,855
P25$74,400
Median$90,145
P75$101,568
P90 (Top)$122,557
North Liberty
P10 (Entry)$62,786
P25$77,412
Median$85,492
P75$94,333
P90 (Top)$110,124

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($99,718 effective) pays 5.44% more than North Liberty ($94,571 effective).

Cedar Rapids
Nominal: $90,145
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $99,718
North Liberty
Nominal: $85,492
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $94,571

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cedar Rapids if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,145/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($122,557)
  • Larger job market (22 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,718)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose North Liberty if…

  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 29.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in North Liberty over the same period.

Cedar Rapids, IA

+29.0%

$66,519 (2024) → $85,828 (2025)

North Liberty, IA

+29.0%

$63,086 (2024) → $81,398 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Cedar Rapids or North Liberty?

Cedar Rapids has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $90,145/year, compared to North Liberty at $85,492/year — a difference of $4,653 (5.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and North Liberty?

Cedar Rapids magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.34/hr while North Liberty hygienists earn $41.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to North Liberty as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cedar Rapids and North Liberty. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cedar Rapids = $99,718, North Liberty = $94,571), job availability (22 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs North Liberty?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $62,855 in Cedar Rapids and $62,786 in North Liberty. The Cedar Rapids area offers higher starting salaries.
CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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