MRI Technologist Pay

Leawood vs Wichita: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Leawood, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Leawood, KS
$87,718
$42.17/hr
Wichita, KS
$79,098
$38.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLeawood, KSWichita, KS
Median Salary$87,718$79,098
Hourly Rate$42.17$38.03
Entry Level (P10)$68,043$66,074
25th Percentile$75,043$70,727
75th Percentile$97,160$90,830
Top Earner (P90)$114,692$97,730
Total Employed570
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Leawood ($87,718) and Wichita ($79,098) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LeawoodWichitaMedian Salary$87,718$79,098Entry Level (P10)$68,043$66,074Top Earner (P90)$114,692$97,730US Median $100,283

Verdict

Leawood, KS offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.

The salary gap between Leawood and Wichita is $8,620 (10.90%). Leawood's median is -12.53% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leawood spans $46,649,Wichita spans $31,656. Leawood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Leawood
P10 (Entry)$68,043
P25$75,043
Median$87,718
P75$97,160
P90 (Top)$114,692
Wichita
P10 (Entry)$66,074
P25$70,727
Median$79,098
P75$90,830
P90 (Top)$97,730

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Leawood ($96,499 effective) pays 8.51% more than Wichita ($88,928 effective).

Leawood
Nominal: $87,718
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $96,499
Wichita
Nominal: $79,098
CoL Index: 88.946
Adjusted: $88,928

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Leawood if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,718/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($114,692)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,499)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Wichita if…

  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Leawood grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Wichita over the same period.

Leawood, KS

+32.6%

$62,979 (2024) → $83,517 (2025)

Wichita, KS

+20.7%

$62,380 (2021) → $75,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Leawood or Wichita?

Leawood has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $87,718/year, compared to Wichita at $79,098/year — a difference of $8,620 (10.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Leawood and Wichita?

Leawood magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.17/hr while Wichita hygienists earn $38.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Leawood to Wichita as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Leawood and Wichita. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Leawood = $96,499, Wichita = $88,928), job availability (5 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Leawood vs Wichita?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $68,043 in Leawood and $66,074 in Wichita. The Leawood 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