MRI Technologist Pay

Kansas City vs Maryland Heights: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Kansas City, MO
$88,267
$42.44/hr
Maryland Heights, MO
$79,728
$38.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKansas City, MOMaryland Heights, MO
Median Salary$88,267$79,728
Hourly Rate$42.44$38.34
Entry Level (P10)$77,323$57,879
25th Percentile$85,263$67,112
75th Percentile$102,415$85,589
Top Earner (P90)$107,257$107,215
Total Employed3905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kansas City ($88,267) and Maryland Heights ($79,728) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Kansas CityMaryland HeightsMedian Salary$88,267$79,728Entry Level (P10)$77,323$57,879Top Earner (P90)$107,257$107,215US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Kansas City and Maryland Heights is $8,539 (10.71%). Kansas City's median is -11.98% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $29,934,Maryland Heights spans $49,336. Maryland Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$77,323
P25$85,263
Median$88,267
P75$102,415
P90 (Top)$107,257
Maryland Heights
P10 (Entry)$57,879
P25$67,112
Median$79,728
P75$85,589
P90 (Top)$107,215

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($95,379 effective) pays 7.19% more than Maryland Heights ($88,982 effective).

Kansas City
Nominal: $88,267
CoL Index: 92.543
Adjusted: $95,379
Maryland Heights
Nominal: $79,728
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $88,982

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,267/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,257)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,379)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Maryland Heights if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Kansas City grew 18.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Maryland Heights over the same period.

Kansas City, MO

+18.8%

$70,770 (2019) → $84,040 (2025)

Maryland Heights, MO

+16.6%

$65,120 (2024) → $75,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Kansas City or Maryland Heights?

Kansas City has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,267/year, compared to Maryland Heights at $79,728/year — a difference of $8,539 (10.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Maryland Heights?

Kansas City magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.44/hr while Maryland Heights hygienists earn $38.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kansas City to Maryland Heights as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kansas City and Maryland Heights. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kansas City = $95,379, Maryland Heights = $88,982), job availability (390 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Kansas City vs Maryland Heights?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $77,323 in Kansas City and $57,879 in Maryland Heights. The Kansas City 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