MRI Technologist Pay

Lincoln vs North Platte: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Lincoln, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lincoln, NE
$84,465
$40.60/hr
North Platte, NE
$85,325
$41.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLincoln, NENorth Platte, NE
Median Salary$84,465$85,325
Hourly Rate$40.60$41.02
Entry Level (P10)$78,247$67,521
25th Percentile$82,196$75,782
75th Percentile$89,969$92,758
Top Earner (P90)$89,969$107,663
Total Employed504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lincoln ($84,465) and North Platte ($85,325) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LincolnNorth PlatteMedian Salary$84,465$85,325Entry Level (P10)$78,247$67,521Top Earner (P90)$89,969$107,663US Median $100,283

Verdict

North Platte, NE offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.

The salary gap between Lincoln and North Platte is $860 (1.02%). North Platte's median is -14.92% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $11,722,North Platte spans $40,142. North Platte has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$78,247
P25$82,196
Median$84,465
P75$89,969
P90 (Top)$89,969
North Platte
P10 (Entry)$67,521
P25$75,782
Median$85,325
P75$92,758
P90 (Top)$107,663

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, North Platte ($93,251 effective) pays 1.11% more than Lincoln ($92,230 effective).

Lincoln
Nominal: $84,465
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $92,230
North Platte
Nominal: $85,325
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $93,251

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose North Platte if…

  • Higher median salary ($85,325/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,663)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,251)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Lincoln grew 28.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in North Platte over the same period.

Lincoln, NE

+28.7%

$62,470 (2021) → $80,420 (2025)

North Platte, NE

+25.6%

$64,664 (2024) → $81,239 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Lincoln or North Platte?

North Platte has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $85,325/year, compared to Lincoln at $84,465/year — a difference of $860 (1.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and North Platte?

Lincoln magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $40.60/hr while North Platte hygienists earn $41.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lincoln to North Platte as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lincoln and North Platte. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lincoln = $92,230, North Platte = $93,251), job availability (50 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Lincoln vs North Platte?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,247 in Lincoln and $67,521 in North Platte. The Lincoln 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