Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Johnston, IA: $84,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Johnston, IA earns a median $84,143/year (≈ $40.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $93,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $84,143 in 2026, reflecting localized salary estimates that account for state-level economic factors. The salary range in the area varies significantly, from $66,688 at the 10th percentile to as high as $108,563 at the 90th percentile. This regional compensation structure offers an interesting contrast to the national median of $100,283, suggesting that the specific demand for subspecialties like cardiac MRI may add a vital premium to salaries. The job market is tightly knit, with only four professionals employed as MRI technologists in Johnston, influencing both competition and opportunities in this niche healthcare profession.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,688 | $32.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,540 | $35.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,143 | $40.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,204 | $44.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,563 | $52.19 |
Median Salary Position
16.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,875 (2026 est.). At $84,143, the local median is 16.09% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Johnston median: $84,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,671 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -16.09% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Johnston, IA earn a median of $84,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.09% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $90,671.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston 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.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $84,143 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,079 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,595
2025 BLS Actual
$80,113
2026 Current Est.
$84,143
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,669 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,909 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,262 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,375 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $61,595 (2019) to $80,113 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,375 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,780 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $66,688 – $74,540 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,540 – $84,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,143 – $93,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,204 – $108,563 |
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 Johnston
As for the local job market, the cost of living index in Johnston stands at 90.4, indicating that while salaries may trail the national average, purchasing power remains relatively favorable for residents. Local employers vary widely, with hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed typically offering the most competitive pay. Factors that contribute to the pay disparity include subspecialization—cardiac MRI roles generally command higher wages than more general positions—as well as shift differentials, which provide additional income for nights and weekends, and call coverage at trauma centers. Additionally, pursuing certifications such as MRSO can enhance earning potential. For magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Johnston, understanding these dynamics and actively seeking positions that align with high-demand subspecialties can be effective strategies for maximizing their overall pay.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Johnston?
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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 $80,113 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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