Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Iowa: $87,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Iowa's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay sits at $87,844/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2035. Because Iowa sits at BEA RPP 90.4 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $97,173 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Dubuque ($87,341), Sioux City ($86,938), Iowa City ($85,967).
In Iowa, the projected average median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $87,844, significantly lower than the national median of $100,283, reflecting a difference of 12.4%. Within the state, salary variability exists among cities; Dubuque, the highest-paying city, offers $91,734, while Davenport presents the lowest at $82,291. This salary gap can be attributed to factors such as local cost of living, healthcare facility funding, and competition for skilled professionals between urban and rural areas. Iowa's licensing requirements for MRI technologists necessitate certification from recognized organizations, which aligns with national standards. Growth in healthcare needs, particularly in radiology and related imaging services, is expected to drive demand for MRI technologists, contributing to a job market with a projected growth rate of 5.03% annually. The total employment for this role in the state is currently at 308, indicating a steady need for trained professionals. Other cities with competitive salaries include Sioux City at $91,311, Iowa City at $90,291, Ames at $90,212, and Cedar Rapids at $90,145. Overall, the outlook for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Iowa appears stable, with opportunities for growth in both urban centers and smaller communities.
Iowa Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Iowa: $62,367 (lowest entry-level) to $123,968 (highest top earner)
Iowa vs National Average
Iowa magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn 12.4% less than the national median ($-12,439/year difference).
Iowa Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salaries in Iowa range from $67,241 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $111,505 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $87,844. The Iowa median is $12,439 below the US national median of $100,283. The average hourly rate is $42.23/hr. Approximately 308 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,853
2025 BLS Actual
$83,637
2026 Current Est.
$87,844
2019–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Iowa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,853 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,447 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,433 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,263 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Iowa metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 23.3% from $67,853 (2019) to $83,637 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,263 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,410 (35.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Iowa
Lowest Paying Cities in Iowa
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Davenport | $82,291 |
| Fort Dodge | $83,215 |
| Johnston | $84,143 |
| Ottumwa | $84,347 |
| Muscatine | $84,668 |
Best Value Cities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Iowa
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Iowa cities offer the most purchasing power for magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque | $91,734 | 90.4 | $101,476 |
| Sioux City | $91,311 | 90.4 | $101,008 |
| Iowa City | $90,291 | 90.4 | $99,879 |
| Ames | $90,212 | 90.4 | $99,792 |
| Cedar Rapids | $90,145 | 90.4 | $99,718 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $67,241 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $87,844 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $111,505 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Iowa metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in Iowa
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dubuque | $91,734 |
| 2 | Sioux City | $91,311 |
| 3 | Iowa City | $90,291 |
| 4 | Ames | $90,212 |
| 5 | Cedar Rapids | $90,145 |
| 6 | Cedar Falls | $89,811 |
| 7 | Des Moines | $89,349 |
| 8 | Marion | $89,142 |
| 9 | Waterloo | $88,230 |
| 10 | West Des Moines | $88,195 |
| 11 | Ankeny | $88,101 |
| 12 | Council Bluffs | $87,549 |
| 13 | Burlington | $87,047 |
| 14 | Waukee | $86,733 |
| 15 | Urbandale | $86,617 |
| 16 | Bettendorf | $86,610 |
| 17 | Marshalltown | $86,342 |
| 18 | Coralville | $86,229 |
| 19 | Mason City | $85,829 |
| 20 | North Liberty | $85,492 |
| 21 | Clinton | $85,070 |
| 22 | Muscatine | $84,668 |
| 23 | Ottumwa | $84,347 |
| 24 | Johnston | $84,143 |
| 25 | Fort Dodge | $83,215 |
| 26 | Davenport | $82,291 |
More Iowa Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Iowa cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Explore More Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Iowa in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Iowa?
How does Iowa magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Iowa?
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed in Iowa?
Which Iowa city offers the best value for magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation across Iowa. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more magnetic resonance imaging technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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