MRI Technologist Pay

Chesterfield vs Kansas City: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Chesterfield, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesterfield, MO
$80,453
$38.68/hr
Kansas City, MO
$88,267
$42.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesterfield, MOKansas City, MO
Median Salary$80,453$88,267
Hourly Rate$38.68$42.44
Entry Level (P10)$59,711$77,323
25th Percentile$68,623$85,263
75th Percentile$89,037$102,415
Top Earner (P90)$101,821$107,257
Total Employed10390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesterfield ($80,453) and Kansas City ($88,267) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ChesterfieldKansas CityMedian Salary$80,453$88,267Entry Level (P10)$59,711$77,323Top Earner (P90)$101,821$107,257US Median $100,283

Verdict

Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesterfield.

The salary gap between Chesterfield and Kansas City is $7,814 (9.71%). Kansas City's median is -11.98% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesterfield spans $42,110,Kansas City spans $29,934. Chesterfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chesterfield
P10 (Entry)$59,711
P25$68,623
Median$80,453
P75$89,037
P90 (Top)$101,821
Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$77,323
P25$85,263
Median$88,267
P75$102,415
P90 (Top)$107,257

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($95,379 effective) pays 6.22% more than Chesterfield ($89,791 effective).

Chesterfield
Nominal: $80,453
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $89,791
Kansas City
Nominal: $88,267
CoL Index: 92.543
Adjusted: $95,379

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chesterfield if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,267/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,257)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,379)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Chesterfield grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Kansas City over the same period.

Chesterfield, MO

+16.6%

$65,712 (2024) → $76,600 (2025)

Kansas City, MO

+18.8%

$70,770 (2019) → $84,040 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Chesterfield or Kansas City?

Kansas City has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,267/year, compared to Chesterfield at $80,453/year — a difference of $7,814 (9.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesterfield and Kansas City?

Chesterfield magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $38.68/hr while Kansas City hygienists earn $42.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesterfield to Kansas City as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesterfield and Kansas City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesterfield = $89,791, Kansas City = $95,379), job availability (10 vs 390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Chesterfield vs Kansas City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $59,711 in Chesterfield and $77,323 in Kansas City. The Kansas City area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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