Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $84,347 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $84,347/year (≈ $40.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $93,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, the projected median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 stands at $84,347, reflecting the local market's compensation levels against the national median of $100,283. This figure falls within a salary range from $67,194 at the 10th percentile to $106,518 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reveal a robust pay structure driven by the demand for specialized imaging professionals. With a unique mix of healthcare institutions, including hospitals and outpatient imaging centers, Ottumwa presents varied employment opportunities, impacting salary potential for MRI technologists seeking employment in the area.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,194 | $32.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,973 | $36.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,347 | $40.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,751 | $44.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,518 | $51.21 |
Median Salary Position
15.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,324 (2026 est.). At $84,347, the local median is 15.89% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $84,347/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,696 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.89% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $84,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.89% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $90,696.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $84,347 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,304 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,745
2025 BLS Actual
$80,308
2026 Current Est.
$84,347
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,745 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,822 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,364 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,434 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,347 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,590 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $61,745 (2019) to $80,308 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,590 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,845 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $67,194 – $74,973 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,973 – $84,347 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,347 – $91,751 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,751 – $106,518 |
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 Ottumwa
With only five magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Ottumwa, the job market remains competitive yet specialized. The local cost-of-living index of 90.4 indicates that, while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power can be favorable. Notably, hospitals tend to offer the most competitive compensation compared to outpatient imaging facilities and orthopedic practices. The variation between higher and lower salaries in this landscape is influenced by factors such as subspecialties in MRI, shift differentials, and call coverage at trauma centers. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this specific market, pursuing advanced certifications like the MRSO or focusing on high-demand areas like cardiac MRI could enhance job prospects and salary potential in the evolving field of magnetic resonance imaging in Ottumwa, IA.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $80,308 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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