MRI Technologist Pay

Lincoln vs Omaha: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Lincoln, NE
$84,465
$40.60/hr
Omaha, NE
$86,870
$41.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLincoln, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$84,465$86,870
Hourly Rate$40.60$41.77
Entry Level (P10)$78,247$72,009
25th Percentile$82,196$85,001
75th Percentile$89,969$100,241
Top Earner (P90)$89,969$106,154
Total Employed50170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lincoln ($84,465) and Omaha ($86,870) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LincolnOmahaMedian Salary$84,465$86,870Entry Level (P10)$78,247$72,009Top Earner (P90)$89,969$106,154US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lincoln and Omaha is $2,405 (2.85%). Omaha's median is -13.38% 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,Omaha spans $34,145. Omaha 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
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, Omaha ($94,515 effective) pays 2.48% more than Lincoln ($92,230 effective).

Lincoln
Nominal: $84,465
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $92,230
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 Lincoln if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,870/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,154)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,515)
  • 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 19.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Lincoln, NE

+28.7%

$62,470 (2021) → $80,420 (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: Lincoln or Omaha?

Omaha has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $86,870/year, compared to Lincoln at $84,465/year — a difference of $2,405 (2.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Omaha?

Lincoln magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $40.60/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $41.77/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lincoln and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lincoln = $92,230, Omaha = $94,515), job availability (50 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $78,247 in Lincoln and $72,009 in Omaha. 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