Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $65,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,528 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,342) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering the entry-level landscape for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Marshalltown, IA, the starting salary reflects a starting point at around $65,528 in 2026. This figure contrasts significantly with the city’s median annual salary of $86,342, suggesting that new professionals might feel a considerable gap as they begin their careers. However, the outlook appears optimistic as individuals can expect to see salaries rise over their first few years, reaching approximately $72,797 after gaining some experience. Marshalltown's job market shows a demand for emerging technologists, making it a favorable environment for new graduates eager to establish themselves in this field.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $65,528 and $72,797 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,448 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,342 — 13.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Iowa of $5,000 represents just 7.63% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($65,528/year) in Marshalltown. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $65,528 to $72,797, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshalltown, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Marshalltown is $45,448 ( 69.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,528, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,976.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,324
2025 BLS Actual
$62,390
2026 Current Est.
$65,528
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,324 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,891 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,824 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,324 in 2019 to $62,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,824. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Marshalltown
In terms of employment opportunities, Marshalltown hosts a range of facilities hiring new magnetic resonance imaging technologists, including outpatient MRI clinics attracted to candidates with pre-credentialing or sign-on bonuses. Hospitals might prefer experienced radiologic techs, often choosing to cross-train candidates within their ranks. New grads can enhance their starting pay potential by obtaining additional credentials like the ARRT registration in radiography and pursuing post-primary certification in MRI. Continuous education could be crucial in the first few years, particularly as specializations in areas like cardiac MRI gain traction and present fertile ground for growth in salary. Given this context, first-year earnings may fall short of the median but should gradually increase as technicians develop their skills in a high-demand specialty like MRI.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Marshalltown in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Marshalltown?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Marshalltown?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Marshalltown?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Iowa?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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