Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Columbus, NE: $85,683 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Columbus, NE earns a median $85,683/year (≈ $41.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $93,643 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the anticipated annual compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to reach $85,683 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive landscape for professionals skilled in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties, which tend to command premium pay in local healthcare facilities. The salary range spans from $68,784 at the lower end of the market (P10) up to $111,518 for top earners (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. With a slight decline of 14.56% compared to the national median of $100,283, the job market in Columbus maintains a niche appeal for those eager to specialize in advanced imaging.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,784 | $33.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,542 | $36.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,683 | $41.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,524 | $43.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,518 | $53.62 |
Median Salary Position
14.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, NE, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,734 (2026 est.). At $85,683, the local median is 14.56% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $85,683/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $91,738 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.56% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus, NE earn a median of $85,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $91,738.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,683 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,643 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,723
2025 BLS Actual
$81,580
2026 Current Est.
$85,683
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,683 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,993 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,723 (2019) to $81,580 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,993 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,270 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $68,784 – $76,542 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,542 – $85,683 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,683 – $90,524 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,524 – $111,518 |
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 Columbus
In this city, only four magnetic resonance imaging technologists are currently employed, illustrating the specialized nature of this field. The cost of living index in Columbus stands at 91.5, indicating a lower-than-average living expense that can enhance take-home pay. Notable employers in the region include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers, such as RadNet and SimonMed, which typically offer the most competitive compensation packages. Factors contributing to salary disparities encompass subspecialty focus, shift differentials, and call coverage requirements, with professionals experienced in cardiac MRI generally earning more. To optimize earnings, seeking certifications such as MRSO or training in high-demand areas like cardiac or neuro imaging can significantly influence pay. Additionally, exploring opportunities in mobile MRI services or trauma centers may yield higher financial rewards.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Columbus, NE in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Columbus?
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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 $81,580 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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