Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Ankeny, IA: $88,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Ankeny, IA earns a median $88,101/year (≈ $42.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Ankeny's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $97,457 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ankeny, Iowa, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary stands at a median of $88,101 for the year 2026, reflecting a competitive local market but falling behind the national median of $100,283 by approximately 12.15%. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $64,823 at the lower end (P10) to $119,911 for those at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional living costs, highlighting the local demand and value of MRI professionals. Shift differentials and call coverage opportunities contribute greatly to the top-end compensation, as hospitals and specialized centers seek to attract talent and ensure coverage for crucial imaging needs.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,823 | $31.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,061 | $36.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,101 | $42.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,046 | $48.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,911 | $57.65 |
Median Salary Position
12.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
In Ankeny, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,088 (2026 est.). At $88,101, the local median is 12.15% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ankeny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ankeny Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Ankeny median: $88,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ankeny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,639 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.15% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Ankeny, IA earn a median of $88,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $90,639.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ankeny has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ankeny, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,101 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,457 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,493
2025 BLS Actual
$83,882
2026 Current Est.
$88,101
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,963 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,361 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,568 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,011 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,533 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ankeny metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,493 (2019) to $83,882 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,533 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,040 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,823 – $75,061 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,061 – $88,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,101 – $100,046 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,046 – $119,911 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Ankeny
With 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Ankeny, the job market reflects a stable demand for skilled professionals in this field. The local cost of living index, at 90.4, suggests that salaries stretch further in Ankeny compared to many other regions, enhancing overall purchasing power. Leading employers include outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, as well as hospital imaging departments, which often offer the highest salaries among local employers. Several factors create a substantial range in pay, including subspecialty training, such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging expertise, alongside additional compensation from shift work, call coverage, and premium offerings for travel MRI positions. To maximize earning potential, MRI technologists should consider pursuing certifications like MRSO, which can result in increased pay rates and expand employment opportunities in specialty-focused practices.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,882 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Ankeny metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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