MRI Technologist Pay

Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Council Bluffs, IA
$87,549
$42.10/hr
Davenport, IA
$82,291
$39.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCouncil Bluffs, IADavenport, IA
Median Salary$87,549$82,291
Hourly Rate$42.10$39.56
Entry Level (P10)$63,196$67,167
25th Percentile$73,942$80,369
75th Percentile$98,637$86,408
Top Earner (P90)$115,111$94,622
Total Employed1230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Council Bluffs ($87,549) and Davenport ($82,291) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Council BluffsDavenportMedian Salary$87,549$82,291Entry Level (P10)$63,196$67,167Top Earner (P90)$115,111$94,622US Median $100,283

Verdict

Council Bluffs, IA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.

The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $5,258 (6.39%). Council Bluffs's median is -12.70% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $51,915,Davenport spans $27,455. Council Bluffs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Council Bluffs
P10 (Entry)$63,196
P25$73,942
Median$87,549
P75$98,637
P90 (Top)$115,111
Davenport
P10 (Entry)$67,167
P25$80,369
Median$82,291
P75$86,408
P90 (Top)$94,622

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Council Bluffs ($96,846 effective) pays 4.83% more than Davenport ($92,380 effective).

Council Bluffs
Nominal: $87,549
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $96,846
Davenport
Nominal: $82,291
CoL Index: 89.079
Adjusted: $92,380

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Council Bluffs if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,549/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,111)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,846)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Davenport if…

  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Council Bluffs grew 29.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Davenport over the same period.

Council Bluffs, IA

+29.0%

$64,603 (2024) → $83,356 (2025)

Davenport, IA

+7.7%

$72,780 (2019) → $78,350 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Council Bluffs or Davenport?

Council Bluffs has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $87,549/year, compared to Davenport at $82,291/year — a difference of $5,258 (6.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and Davenport?

Council Bluffs magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.10/hr while Davenport hygienists earn $39.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to Davenport as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Council Bluffs and Davenport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Council Bluffs = $96,846, Davenport = $92,380), job availability (12 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Council Bluffs vs Davenport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,196 in Council Bluffs and $67,167 in Davenport. The Davenport 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