Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lincoln, NE: $84,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lincoln, NE earns a median $84,465/year (≈ $40.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lincoln's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.6), that paycheck buys what $92,230 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data project that magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lincoln, NE, earn a median annual salary of $84,465. This figure reflects the competitive landscape of the field, particularly as the demand for subspecialties, such as cardiac MRI, continues to rise, impacting local compensation positively. The salary range for this role varies from approximately $78,247 at the lowest decile to $89,969 at the highest, providing a broad spectrum that caters to different levels of experience and specialization. As the local healthcare market evolves, technologists with advanced skills and certifications, such as MRSO or experience in specialized MRI techniques, may find better earning opportunities, particularly in Lincoln's growing medical institutions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,247 | $37.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,196 | $39.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,465 | $40.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,969 | $43.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,969 | $43.25 |
Median Salary Position
15.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lincoln
In Lincoln, NE, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,722 (2026 est.). At $84,465, the local median is 15.77% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Lincoln: You'd be above the median
How Lincoln Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lincoln median: $84,465/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lincoln Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $91,710 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.77% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lincoln, NE earn a median of $84,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.77% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.90% below the Nebraska state average of $91,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lincoln has a cost of living 8.42% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lincoln, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.581 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $84,465 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,230 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.19% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,831
2025 BLS Actual
$80,420
2026 Current Est.
$84,465
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,909 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,714 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lincoln metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $61,831 (2019) to $80,420 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,714 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,883 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lincoln 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) | $78,247 – $82,196 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,196 – $84,465 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,465 – $89,969 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,969 – $89,969 |
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 Lincoln
While there are 50 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Lincoln, the cost of living index at 91.581 suggests that the purchasing power of these professionals remains competitive. Employers in the area, such as large hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the most attractive salaries. The variance in pay can be significant based on factors such as subspecialties, with cardiac and neuro MRI roles typically commanding higher wages than general MRI positions. Additionally, technologists willing to work shifts at night or on weekends may also benefit from shift differentials, while positions requiring call coverage at trauma centers or those associated with traveling MRI companies can further enhance earnings. To optimize pay in Lincoln, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking opportunities to specialize in high-demand areas, capitalizing on the growing needs of healthcare providers.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lincoln?
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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 $80,420 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lincoln 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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