MRI Technologist Pay

Davenport vs Fort Dodge: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Davenport, IA
$82,291
$39.56/hr
Fort Dodge, IA
$83,215
$40.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDavenport, IAFort Dodge, IA
Median Salary$82,291$83,215
Hourly Rate$39.56$40.01
Entry Level (P10)$67,167$64,320
25th Percentile$80,369$72,598
75th Percentile$86,408$91,061
Top Earner (P90)$94,622$102,811
Total Employed304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Davenport ($82,291) and Fort Dodge ($83,215) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DavenportFort DodgeMedian Salary$82,291$83,215Entry Level (P10)$67,167$64,320Top Earner (P90)$94,622$102,811US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Davenport and Fort Dodge is $924 (1.12%). Fort Dodge's median is -17.02% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $27,455,Fort Dodge spans $38,491. Fort Dodge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Davenport
P10 (Entry)$67,167
P25$80,369
Median$82,291
P75$86,408
P90 (Top)$94,622
Fort Dodge
P10 (Entry)$64,320
P25$72,598
Median$83,215
P75$91,061
P90 (Top)$102,811

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($92,380 effective) pays 0.36% more than Fort Dodge ($92,052 effective).

Davenport
Nominal: $82,291
CoL Index: 89.079
Adjusted: $92,380
Fort Dodge
Nominal: $83,215
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $92,052

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Davenport if…

  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,380)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Fort Dodge if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,215/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,811)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Davenport grew 7.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.

Davenport, IA

+7.7%

$72,780 (2019) → $78,350 (2025)

Fort Dodge, IA

+29.0%

$61,406 (2024) → $79,230 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Davenport or Fort Dodge?

Fort Dodge has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $83,215/year, compared to Davenport at $82,291/year — a difference of $924 (1.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Fort Dodge?

Davenport magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.56/hr while Fort Dodge hygienists earn $40.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Davenport to Fort Dodge as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Davenport and Fort Dodge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Davenport = $92,380, Fort Dodge = $92,052), job availability (30 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Davenport vs Fort Dodge?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,167 in Davenport and $64,320 in Fort Dodge. 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