Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Kearney, NE: $88,362 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Kearney, NE earns a median $88,362/year (≈ $42.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $96,570 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, NE, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary stands at a median of $88,362 for 2026, reflecting a competitive pay structure in the region, particularly when factoring in emerging subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. This sector is projected to have a salary range between $68,274 at the 10th percentile and $115,657 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect local economic conditions and the lower cost of living in Kearney, where healthcare professionals can expect to find robust job opportunities. Given Kearney's nine active MRI technologists, the market shows potential for growth, particularly as specialized skills become increasingly in demand.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,274 | $32.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,635 | $37.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,362 | $42.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,948 | $47.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,657 | $55.60 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,383 (2026 est.). At $88,362, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Kearney median: $88,362/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $91,757 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.89% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kearney, NE earn a median of $88,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $91,757.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney 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.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,362 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,570 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,684
2025 BLS Actual
$84,130
2026 Current Est.
$88,362
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,811 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,164 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,362 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,684 (2019) to $84,130 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,122 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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) | $68,274 – $77,635 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,635 – $88,362 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,362 – $97,948 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,948 – $115,657 |
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 Kearney
The local job market, while accommodating only a handful of MRI technologists, offers competitive rates primarily through hospital imaging departments and regional outpatient centers. The cost-of-living index in Kearney, at 91.5, suggests that the purchasing power of technologists is improved, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. Among employers, trauma centers and advanced imaging facilities may provide the highest salaries, often driven by subspecialization and shift differentials. Factors such as weekend work, on-call services, and certifications like MRSO can significantly influence earnings. Maximizing pay in this market involves seeking advanced training opportunities in cardiac MRI and leveraging experience with 3T and 7T MRI technologies, which can lead to higher roles and better compensation packages tailored for both inpatient and outpatient settings.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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 $84,130 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Kearney 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 Kearney 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