MRI Technologist Pay

Davenport vs Waukee: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Davenport, IA
$82,291
$39.56/hr
Waukee, IA
$86,733
$41.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDavenport, IAWaukee, IA
Median Salary$82,291$86,733
Hourly Rate$39.56$41.70
Entry Level (P10)$67,167$65,468
25th Percentile$80,369$74,731
75th Percentile$86,408$92,125
Top Earner (P90)$94,622$105,944
Total Employed304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Davenport ($82,291) and Waukee ($86,733) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.DavenportWaukeeMedian Salary$82,291$86,733Entry Level (P10)$67,167$65,468Top Earner (P90)$94,622$105,944US Median $100,283

Verdict

Waukee, 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 Waukee is $4,442 (5.40%). Waukee's median is -13.51% 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,Waukee spans $40,476. Waukee 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
Waukee
P10 (Entry)$65,468
P25$74,731
Median$86,733
P75$92,125
P90 (Top)$105,944

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukee ($95,944 effective) pays 3.86% more than Davenport ($92,380 effective).

Davenport
Nominal: $82,291
CoL Index: 89.079
Adjusted: $92,380
Waukee
Nominal: $86,733
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $95,944

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)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Waukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,733/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,944)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,944)
  • 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 Waukee over the same period.

Davenport, IA

+7.7%

$72,780 (2019) → $78,350 (2025)

Waukee, IA

+29.0%

$64,002 (2024) → $82,579 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Waukee has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,733/year, compared to Davenport at $82,291/year — a difference of $4,442 (5.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waukee?

Davenport magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.56/hr while Waukee hygienists earn $41.70/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Davenport and Waukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Davenport = $92,380, Waukee = $95,944), job availability (30 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,167 in Davenport and $65,468 in Waukee. 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