Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $89,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Des Moines, IA earns a median $89,349/year (≈ $42.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $97,435 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In the competitive field of medical imaging, the projected 2026 median salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Des Moines, Iowa, is $89,349. This figure reflects a growing demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro MRI, which are commanding premium pay in this market. The salary range for technologists is quite broad, spanning from $76,556 at the lower end (P10) to $103,749 for those at the upper end (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, positions Des Moines's pay roughly 10.90% lower than the national median of $100,283, highlighting local job market dynamics influenced by factors like subspecialty expertise and work settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,556 | $36.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,843 | $40.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,349 | $42.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,905 | $48.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,749 | $49.88 |
Median Salary Position
10.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,193 (2026 est.). At $89,349, the local median is 10.9% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $89,349/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,618 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.90% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $89,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.90% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the Iowa state average of $90,618.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $89,349 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,435 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,900
2025 BLS Actual
$85,070
2026 Current Est.
$89,349
2019–2027 Growth
+54.1%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,843 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 39.7% from $60,900 (2019) to $85,070 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,843 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,943 (54.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $76,556 – $84,843 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,843 – $89,349 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,349 – $99,905 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,905 – $103,749 |
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 Des Moines
With 60 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the Des Moines area, job opportunities are relatively stable, and the local cost of living index of 91.701 suggests that salaries stretch further than they might in pricier regions. Key employers that tend to offer the most competitive compensation include hospital imaging departments and specialized centers such as RadNet and SimonMed, where advanced certifications like MRSO may also provide salary boosts. The salary variability in this market can largely be attributed to subspecialty focus—those in cardiac MRI often earn more than peers engaged in general imaging. Additionally, shift differentials for nights and weekends, call coverage at trauma centers, and the lucrative nature of travel MRI positions can significantly enhance pay. To maximize earnings in this region, technologists should focus on continual training and certifications, align their skills with high-demand subspecialties, and remain open to mobility within different imaging environments.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $85,070 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Des Moines 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
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