Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $88,195 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $88,195/year (≈ $42.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $97,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, IA, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $88,195 for 2026, which falls short of the national median of $100,283 by approximately 12.05%. Within a salary range that spans from $65,660 at the 10th percentile to $117,781 at the 90th percentile, local estimates suggest that factors such as shift differentials and call coverage significantly influence earnings potential. Those willing to work night shifts or on weekends often find opportunities for higher compensation, as imaging departments frequently adjust pay rates to meet the demands of staffing during off-peak hours. The current data reflects adjustments based on regional cost-of-living factors, indicating a competitive market for MRI technologists despite the lower median salary compared to national standards.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,660 | $31.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,786 | $35.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,195 | $42.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,798 | $47.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,781 | $56.62 |
Median Salary Position
12.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,121 (2026 est.). At $88,195, the local median is 12.05% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $88,195/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $90,642 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.05% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $88,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $90,642.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,195 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,561 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,561
2025 BLS Actual
$83,971
2026 Current Est.
$88,195
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,561 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,687 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,035 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,195 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,631 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,561 (2019) to $83,971 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,631 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,070 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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) | $65,660 – $73,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,786 – $88,195 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,195 – $98,798 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,798 – $117,781 |
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 West Des Moines
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Des Moines includes approximately 16 professionals, indicating a relatively stable employment environment. The local cost of living index of 90.4 suggests that take-home salaries may afford a modest lifestyle compared to national averages, which can impact purchasing power. Facilities such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI companies tend to offer some of the highest pay rates in the area. The variance in compensation can often be attributed to subspecialties, with fields like cardiac MRI commanding higher rates than general MRI due to increased demand and skill requirements. To enhance earning potential, technologists may consider obtaining MRSO certification, which can lead to additional stipends or exploring opportunities for side income as applications specialists. Engaging in these avenues enables professionals to maximize their salaries amid West Des Moines's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in West Des Moines, IA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in West Des Moines?
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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 $83,971 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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