MRI Technologist Pay

Grand Island vs Omaha: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Grand Island, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Grand Island, NE
$89,565
$43.06/hr
Omaha, NE
$86,870
$41.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrand Island, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$89,565$86,870
Hourly Rate$43.06$41.77
Entry Level (P10)$66,520$72,009
25th Percentile$74,812$85,001
75th Percentile$100,212$100,241
Top Earner (P90)$119,411$106,154
Total Employed14170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grand Island ($89,565) and Omaha ($86,870) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Grand IslandOmahaMedian Salary$89,565$86,870Entry Level (P10)$66,520$72,009Top Earner (P90)$119,411$106,154US Median $100,283

Verdict

Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Omaha.

The salary gap between Grand Island and Omaha is $2,695 (3.10%). Grand Island's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $52,891,Omaha spans $34,145. Grand Island has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Grand Island
P10 (Entry)$66,520
P25$74,812
Median$89,565
P75$100,212
P90 (Top)$119,411
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$72,009
P25$85,001
Median$86,870
P75$100,241
P90 (Top)$106,154

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($97,885 effective) pays 3.57% more than Omaha ($94,515 effective).

Grand Island
Nominal: $89,565
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $97,885
Omaha
Nominal: $86,870
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $94,515

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grand Island if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,565/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,411)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,885)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Grand Island grew 25.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Grand Island, NE

+25.6%

$67,878 (2024) → $85,276 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+19.5%

$69,200 (2019) → $82,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Grand Island or Omaha?

Grand Island has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $89,565/year, compared to Omaha at $86,870/year — a difference of $2,695 (3.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Omaha?

Grand Island magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $43.06/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $41.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grand Island to Omaha as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grand Island and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grand Island = $97,885, Omaha = $94,515), job availability (14 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Grand Island vs Omaha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $66,520 in Grand Island and $72,009 in Omaha. The Omaha 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