Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in St. Joseph, MO: $81,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in St. Joseph, MO earns a median $81,411/year (≈ $39.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in St. Joseph's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $90,860 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Joseph, Missouri, the 2026 median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to be $81,411, which reflects the area's competitive job market. This figure is considerably lower than the national median of $100,283, highlighting a local pay structure that remains about 18.82% behind the national level. With a salary range stretching from $57,389 at the 10th percentile to $104,800 at the 90th percentile, the earning potential for those specializing in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties can enhance their overall compensation, adding premium incentives to their base pay. As MR imaging demand grows, especially for cardiac and advanced imaging techniques, the job outlook is promising for various facilities across the St. Joseph area.
About the St. Joseph Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,389 | $27.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,540 | $32.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,411 | $39.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,783 | $42.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,800 | $50.38 |
Median Salary Position
18.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Joseph
In St. Joseph, MO, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,411 (2026 est.). At $81,411, the local median is 18.82% below the national median of $100,283.
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How St. Joseph Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
St. Joseph median: $81,411/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Joseph Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $81,167 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -18.82% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Joseph, MO earn a median of $81,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.82% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% above the Missouri state average of $81,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Joseph 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.
St. Joseph, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $81,411 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,860 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,595
2025 BLS Actual
$77,512
2026 Current Est.
$81,411
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Joseph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,634 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,494 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,512 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,506 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Joseph metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $59,595 (2019) to $77,512 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,506 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,911 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Joseph 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) | $57,389 – $67,540 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,540 – $81,411 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,411 – $88,783 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,783 – $104,800 |
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 St. Joseph
The local job market supports 18 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, a modest number that contributes to their professional community dynamics. With a cost-of-living index at 89.6, the purchasing power for technologists can be greater than in higher-cost urban centers, partially offsetting lower salaries. Employers who tend to offer higher magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in St. Joseph include hospital imaging departments and specialized centers serving orthopedic practices. Variability in salary largely arises from subspecialty training, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and call coverage for trauma centers. Those looking to maximize earnings might consider pursuing additional certifications, such as MRSO to enhance skill sets or taking on travel assignments which often yield higher pay. This strategic approach may offer technologists the chance to secure more advantageous positions within the region.
More salary data for St. Joseph, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in St. Joseph, MO in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in St. Joseph?
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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 $77,512 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph 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