Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Liberal, KS: $85,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Liberal, KS earns a median $85,019/year (≈ $40.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $93,530 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the projected median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $85,019 for 2026, reflecting the competitive nature of the medical imaging field, particularly in subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which can command a premium. The salary ranges from $67,705 at the 10th percentile to $110,665 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a substantial earning potential based on experience, skill level, and specific expertise. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels, and suggest that even in a smaller market like Liberal, the compensation for MRI techs is influenced by both local demand and the complexity of the procedures they perform, ensuring that qualified technologists can find lucrative opportunities within the community.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,705 | $32.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,821 | $36.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,019 | $40.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,577 | $43.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,665 | $53.21 |
Median Salary Position
15.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,960 (2026 est.). At $85,019, the local median is 15.22% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Liberal median: $85,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $91,124 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.22% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Liberal, KS earn a median of $85,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $91,124.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,019 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,530 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,236
2025 BLS Actual
$80,947
2026 Current Est.
$85,019
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,236 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,321 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,994 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,947 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,295 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,236 (2019) to $80,947 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,295 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,059 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $67,705 – $75,821 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,821 – $85,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,019 – $89,577 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,577 – $110,665 |
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 Liberal
Analysis of Liberal’s job market indicates that there are currently four magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in the area, pointing to a niche employment landscape. The regional cost of living index stands at 90.9, affecting the practical purchasing power of these salaries. Facilities such as hospital imaging departments and local outpatient centers determine pay scales, with some opportunities paying more depending on the complexity of imaging, including specialties like cardiac MRI and trauma-level centers that demand additional certifications. Shifts in scheduling can also lead to variances in pay, especially for night or weekend work. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and staying abreast of industry trends to enhance their qualifications and job prospects.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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 $80,947 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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