MRI Technologist Pay

Springfield vs St. Louis: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Springfield, MO
$81,178
$39.03/hr
St. Louis, MO
$87,521
$42.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpringfield, MOSt. Louis, MO
Median Salary$81,178$87,521
Hourly Rate$39.03$42.08
Entry Level (P10)$68,227$69,498
25th Percentile$68,227$80,873
75th Percentile$102,026$99,033
Top Earner (P90)$103,843$104,106
Total Employed80480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Springfield ($81,178) and St. Louis ($87,521) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.SpringfieldSt. LouisMedian Salary$81,178$87,521Entry Level (P10)$68,227$69,498Top Earner (P90)$103,843$104,106US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Springfield and St. Louis is $6,343 (7.81%). St. Louis's median is -12.73% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $35,616,St. Louis spans $34,608. Springfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Springfield
P10 (Entry)$68,227
P25$68,227
Median$81,178
P75$102,026
P90 (Top)$103,843
St. Louis
P10 (Entry)$69,498
P25$80,873
Median$87,521
P75$99,033
P90 (Top)$104,106

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($92,042 effective) pays 0.44% more than Springfield ($91,639 effective).

Springfield
Nominal: $81,178
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $91,639
St. Louis
Nominal: $87,521
CoL Index: 95.088
Adjusted: $92,042

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Springfield if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose St. Louis if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,521/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,106)
  • Larger job market (480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,042)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Springfield grew 35.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in St. Louis over the same period.

Springfield, MO

+35.8%

$56,910 (2019) → $77,290 (2025)

St. Louis, MO

+29.6%

$64,280 (2019) → $83,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Springfield or St. Louis?

St. Louis has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $87,521/year, compared to Springfield at $81,178/year — a difference of $6,343 (7.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Louis?

Springfield magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.03/hr while St. Louis hygienists earn $42.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Louis as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Springfield and St. Louis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Springfield = $91,639, St. Louis = $92,042), job availability (80 vs 480 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Springfield vs St. Louis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $68,227 in Springfield and $69,498 in St. Louis. The St. Louis 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