Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $90,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Cedar Rapids, IA earns a median $90,145/year (≈ $43.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Cedar Rapids's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $99,718 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar Rapids can expect to earn a median annual salary of $90,145, which is about 10.11% below the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this profession typically spans from $62,855 at the 10th percentile to $122,557 at the 90th percentile, with the majority of positions falling between $74,400 and $101,568. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price disparities. The local job market is influenced by subspecialty demand, particularly for roles in cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which often command higher wages due to the specialized skills required.
About the Cedar Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,855 | $30.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,400 | $35.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,145 | $43.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,568 | $48.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,557 | $58.92 |
Median Salary Position
10.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,702 (2026 est.). At $90,145, the local median is 10.11% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Rapids Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Cedar Rapids median: $90,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,689 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.11% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $90,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.11% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the Iowa state average of $90,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Rapids 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.
Cedar Rapids, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $90,145 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,718 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,989
2025 BLS Actual
$85,828
2026 Current Est.
$90,145
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,989 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,828 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,679 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $65,989 (2019) to $85,828 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,679 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,690 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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) | $62,855 – $74,400 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,400 – $90,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,145 – $101,568 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,568 – $122,557 |
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 Cedar Rapids
Currently, there are 22 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Cedar Rapids, indicating a tightly knit community within the field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, living expenses in the area are lower than the national average, allowing for greater purchasing power despite the salary being slightly reduced compared to national figures. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers are often the primary payers in the local job market. The disparity in compensation can be attributed to factors like subspecialty skills, shift differentials, and call coverage, which can significantly affect earnings. For those aiming to maximize their pay, securing additional credentials—such as MRSO certification or pursuing specialized training in cardiac MRI—may provide a competitive edge in Cedar Rapids's market.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Cedar Rapids, IA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Cedar Rapids?
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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 $85,828 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids 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