Senior Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $110,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $110,976/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2035. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $122,761 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

A senior magnetic resonance imaging technologist's salary in Marshalltown, Iowa, can be quite favorable, with top earners (P90) projected to reach $110,976 annually in 2026. This figure not only reflects a substantial experience premium over the median salary of $86,342 but also positions those at the pinnacle of their profession as competitive compared to national standards, where the highest earners on a national scale earn a median of $100,283. Professionals aiming for these elite salary levels often need to solidify their expertise through advanced specializations, extensive hands-on experience, and possibly taking on leadership roles within their organizations. Achieving this top-tier pay demands not just technical skill but also the ability to manage complex cases and mentor less experienced colleagues effectively.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $94,730 and $110,976 per year (2026 est.). This $45,448 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $86,342 sits 13.9% below the US median.
Top MRI Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $86,342 | $100,283 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,730 | $111,689 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $110,976 | $134,092 |
In Marshalltown, experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists (P90) earn 28.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA magnetic resonance imaging technologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $86,342 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,730–$110,976 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Marshalltown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Marshalltown
Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
5-10 yearsMagnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #15 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary (90th percentile: $110,976).
Top 10% magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation in Marshalltown ($110,976) is 0.47% below the Iowa average P90 ($111,505).
2019 BLS Actual
$84,069
2025 BLS Actual
$105,661
2026 Current Est.
$110,976
2019–2027 Growth
+38.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,245 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,481 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,775 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,558 | Projected |
Top-earning magnetic resonance imaging technologists (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 25.7% from $84,069 in 2019 to $105,661 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.03% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $116,558 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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.
Maximizing Your Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Earnings in Marshalltown
In-depth knowledge of specialized MRI techniques can greatly impact compensation potential for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Marshalltown. Focusing on niches such as neuroradiology MRI or cardiac MRI might allow for higher pay, especially when working in hospital imaging departments that increasingly value these competencies. Each employer type — from outpatient imaging centers to travel MRI tech agencies — offers varied compensation packages, often influenced by the complexity and demand of local healthcare needs. Advancement opportunities abound in roles such as modality supervisor or applications specialist for major imaging equipment manufacturers like Siemens or GE. Furthermore, obtaining credentials like ARRT(MR) or MR safety officer (MRSO) can also enhance pay prospects and job security, along with favorable non-salary incentives that emerge from specialized shifts and call coverage at trauma centers.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $105,661 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the Marshalltown metro area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown 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