Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Jefferson City, MO: $77,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Jefferson City, MO earns a median $77,335/year (≈ $37.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Jefferson City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $86,311 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The expected median salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Jefferson City, Missouri, is projected to be $77,335 in 2026. This figure is reflective of both local compensation trends and the differences seen in the broader market, where the national median is notably higher at $100,283. Local salaries range from $58,396 at the 10th percentile to $102,363 at the 90th percentile, indicating room for advancement and variability depending on factors such as experience and specialty certifications. As the demand for skilled MRI technologists continues to grow, driven by advancements in imaging technology and the increasing importance of subspecializations like cardiac MRI, these figures highlight a competitive job market for professionals in Jefferson City.
About the Jefferson City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,396 | $28.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,944 | $32.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,335 | $37.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,420 | $41.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,363 | $49.22 |
Median Salary Position
22.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jefferson City
In Jefferson City, MO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,967 (2026 est.). At $77,335, the local median is 22.88% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jefferson City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jefferson City Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Jefferson City median: $77,335/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jefferson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $81,149 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -22.88% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $77,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.88% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.70% below the Missouri state average of $81,149.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jefferson City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jefferson City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $77,335 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,311 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,611
2025 BLS Actual
$73,631
2026 Current Est.
$77,335
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,763 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jefferson City metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $56,611 (2019) to $73,631 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,614 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jefferson 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) | $58,396 – $66,944 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,944 – $77,335 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,335 – $86,420 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,420 – $102,363 |
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 Jefferson City
In Jefferson City, where currently eight magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed, the cost of living index is just 89.6, suggesting that while salaries are below the national average, the purchasing power may be more favorable. The local job market shows potential with opportunities primarily in hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers, with specialized facilities and practices potentially offering higher wages. Factors influencing compensation can include shift differentials for night and weekend work, call coverage at trauma centers, and additional pay for specialized certifications such as MRSO. For those seeking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Jefferson City, pursuing subspecialties and gaining certification can lead to better opportunities and higher earnings while ensuring a strong understanding of the specific needs in this regional market.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Jefferson City, MO in 2026?
Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Jefferson City?
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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 $73,631 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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