Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Mason City, IA: $85,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Mason City, IA earns a median $85,829/year (≈ $41.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Mason City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $94,944 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mason City, Iowa, the 2026 median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $85,829. This amount reflects a competitive position within the healthcare sector, especially when specialized skills in cardiac MRI or neuro imaging come into play, often commanding a premium due to their complexity and demand. Salaries are expected to range from $64,312 at the 10th percentile to $109,558 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust market for MRI professionals. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost disparities. Mason City's medical imaging landscape, combined with the local community's healthcare needs, showcases a promising outlook for technologists willing to enhance their skills in high-demand areas.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,312 | $30.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,662 | $35.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,829 | $41.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,445 | $44.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,558 | $52.67 |
Median Salary Position
14.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
In Mason City, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,246 (2026 est.). At $85,829, the local median is 14.41% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mason City Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Mason City median: $85,829/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,633 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.41% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Mason City, IA earn a median of $85,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.41% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $90,633.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason City 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.
Mason City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,829 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,944 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,830
2025 BLS Actual
$81,719
2026 Current Est.
$85,829
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,671 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,334 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,147 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason City metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,830 (2019) to $81,719 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,147 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,317 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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) | $64,312 – $73,662 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,662 – $85,829 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,829 – $93,445 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,445 – $109,558 |
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 Mason City
Despite employing only four MRI technologists in the area, Mason City presents an intriguing employment opportunity for those in this field. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, suggesting a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to national averages, which can enhance take-home pay purchasing power. Major employers in the region include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, with some offering higher wages depending on the specialization required. Subspecialties, particularly in cardiac MRI, are critical to pay variations, alongside factors like shift differentials for night and weekend work, and stipends for MRSO certifications. To maximize compensation, technologists should consider cross-training in subspecialties and seeking opportunities in mobile MRI services or trauma centers where demand often elevates pay rates. Understanding these dynamics can greatly benefit an MRI technologist's career in Mason City, IA.
More salary data for Mason City, 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 $81,719 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Mason City 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 Mason City 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