Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Dubuque, IA: $91,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Dubuque, IA earns a median $91,734/year (≈ $44.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $101,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Dubuque, IA, can expect a median annual salary of $91,734, reflecting the strong demand for skilled professionals in this specialized field. The overall salary range spans from $66,005 at the 10th percentile to $123,050 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for higher earnings particularly for those willing to take on shift differentials and call coverage responsibilities. Local salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, indicate that while Dubuque's salaries are slightly below the national median of $100,283, they still offer competitive compensation relative to the region. The job market in Dubuque remains robust, fostering a steady flow of opportunities for MRI technologists eager to advance their careers.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,005 | $31.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,108 | $37.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,734 | $44.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,018 | $49.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,050 | $59.16 |
Median Salary Position
8.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,045 (2026 est.). At $91,734, the local median is 8.52% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dubuque Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $91,734/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,646 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -8.52% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $91,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.52% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $90,646.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque 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.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $91,734 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,476 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,230
2025 BLS Actual
$87,341
2026 Current Est.
$91,734
2019–2027 Growth
+62.7%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,263 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,348 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 47.5% from $59,230 (2019) to $87,341 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,348 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,118 (62.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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) | $66,005 – $77,108 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,108 – $91,734 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,734 – $103,018 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,018 – $123,050 |
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 Dubuque
A closer examination of Dubuque's job market reveals that 12 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently serve the area, translating to a significant demand for their skills. The local cost of living index is 90.4, which means that salaries stretch further for residents compared to national averages. Among the various employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the most lucrative positions; however, outpatient MRI centers and mobile MRI companies also present appealing opportunities. The disparity in salary—ranging from $66,005 to $123,050—can be attributed to factors such as subspecialties in cardiac MRI, shift differentials for evening and weekend shifts, and call coverage roles at trauma centers. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing MRSO certification and diversifying skills in high-demand subspecialties could be effective strategies within this competitive landscape of magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Dubuque, IA.
More salary data for Dubuque, 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 $87,341 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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