MRI Technologist Pay

Jefferson City vs Springfield: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Jefferson City, MO
$77,335
$37.18/hr
Springfield, MO
$81,178
$39.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJefferson City, MOSpringfield, MO
Median Salary$77,335$81,178
Hourly Rate$37.18$39.03
Entry Level (P10)$58,396$68,227
25th Percentile$66,944$68,227
75th Percentile$86,420$102,026
Top Earner (P90)$102,363$103,843
Total Employed880
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jefferson City ($77,335) and Springfield ($81,178) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Jefferson CitySpringfieldMedian Salary$77,335$81,178Entry Level (P10)$58,396$68,227Top Earner (P90)$102,363$103,843US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Jefferson City and Springfield is $3,843 (4.97%). Springfield's median is -19.05% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jefferson City spans $43,967,Springfield spans $35,616. Jefferson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jefferson City
P10 (Entry)$58,396
P25$66,944
Median$77,335
P75$86,420
P90 (Top)$102,363
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$68,227
P25$68,227
Median$81,178
P75$102,026
P90 (Top)$103,843

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($91,639 effective) pays 6.17% more than Jefferson City ($86,311 effective).

Jefferson City
Nominal: $77,335
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $86,311
Springfield
Nominal: $81,178
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $91,639

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jefferson City if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,178/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,843)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,639)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Jefferson City grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Jefferson City, MO

+16.6%

$63,165 (2024) → $73,631 (2025)

Springfield, MO

+35.8%

$56,910 (2019) → $77,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Jefferson City or Springfield?

Springfield has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $81,178/year, compared to Jefferson City at $77,335/year — a difference of $3,843 (4.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and Springfield?

Jefferson City magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $37.18/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $39.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jefferson City to Springfield as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jefferson City and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jefferson City = $86,311, Springfield = $91,639), job availability (8 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Jefferson City vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $58,396 in Jefferson City and $68,227 in Springfield. The Springfield 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