Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Muscatine, IA: $84,668 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Muscatine, IA earns a median $84,668/year (≈ $40.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $93,659 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the 2026 median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected at $84,668, reflecting a competitive market for those with specialized skills in cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. With a salary range from $67,900 to $107,318, professionals in this field can expect compensation that is lower than the national median of $100,283 but still offers a solid income relative to regional standards. These figures are estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost-of-living indices. Muscatine's job market is gradually expanding, supported by an increasing demand for imaging specialists, particularly in specialty settings that are likely to drive salary growth.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,900 | $32.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,651 | $36.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,668 | $40.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,532 | $44.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,318 | $51.59 |
Median Salary Position
15.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,418 (2026 est.). At $84,668, the local median is 15.57% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $84,668/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,651 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.57% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $84,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $90,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $84,668 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,659 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$61,979
2025 BLS Actual
$80,613
2026 Current Est.
$84,668
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,979 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,314 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,668 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,927 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $61,979 (2019) to $80,613 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,927 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,948 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $67,900 – $75,651 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,651 – $84,668 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,668 – $92,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,532 – $107,318 |
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 Muscatine
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists remains robust, with five professionals currently employed in Muscatine. Given the cost-of-living index of 90.4, which is below the national average, this salary provides reasonable purchasing power for residents. High-paying opportunities exist within hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, where larger facilities often offer better compensation compared to smaller, freestanding entities. Compensation variability is influenced by subspecialty skill sets, with cardiac MRI and neuro imaging generally commanding higher pay. Factors like shift differentials, call coverage pay for trauma centers, and any additional stipends for MRSO certification can significantly impact overall earnings. For MRI technologists in Muscatine aiming to maximize their pay, exploring positions that incorporate these high-demand subspecialties, opting for shifts during nights or weekends, and considering travel assignments can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Muscatine, IA in 2026?
Is Muscatine, IA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Muscatine?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Muscatine?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Muscatine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 $80,613 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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