Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Mason City, IA: $64,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Mason City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,312 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,142 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,829) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mason City, new graduates seeking positions as magnetic resonance imaging technologists can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $64,312 in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city median annual salary of $85,829, highlighting a gap that new technologists may need to consider when negotiating their first roles. However, the outlook shows potential for salary growth: as entry-level professionals gain experience, pay can increase to around $73,662 within a few years, closing the gap toward the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.03%, now appears to be a favorable time for new MRI technologists to enter the job market in Mason City, especially with an increasing focus on specialty imaging.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason City
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 Mason City
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mason City, IA typically start between $64,312 and $73,662 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,246 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,829 — 14.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Iowa of $5,000 represents just 7.77% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($64,312/year) in Mason City. 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 Mason City
- 1Research the Mason City market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $64,312 to $73,662, 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 Mason City, 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 Mason City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason City'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 Mason City is $45,246 ( 70.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,312, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,558.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,464
2025 BLS Actual
$61,232
2026 Current Est.
$64,312
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,464 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,801 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,637 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,547 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mason City, IA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,464 in 2019 to $61,232 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,547. New graduates entering the Mason City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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 Mason City
Various employers in Mason City offer opportunities for aspiring magnetic resonance imaging technologists, though some positions may favor experienced candidates. Local hospital systems typically hire experienced radiologic technologists, providing in-house training in MRI, while outpatient facilities may actively recruit newly credentialed technologists by offering sign-on bonuses. For those looking to enhance their earning potential in Iowa, obtaining relevant credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography along with the ARRT (MR) certification can lead to increased start pay. The landscape for magnetic resonance imaging is evolving, and specialties like cardiac MRI are rapidly expanding. Entry-level technologists typically find that salary increases are achievable during the first three years, especially if they focus on further certifications deemed necessary as the demand for skilled MRI professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mason City in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Mason City?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Mason City?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Mason City?
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 Mason City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City 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