Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $42.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Aurora, IL runs $42.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,929 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $42.41. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.21, which might reflect regional economic conditions or local demand for MRI services. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day-a-week schedule, the median income can be quite substantial given the hourly pay, particularly in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile units. With entry-level positions starting around $30.33 per hour and experienced technologists earning up to $57.07 hourly, the pay range indicates a rewarding career for those in the field, balancing job demand and living costs in the area.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.33 | $242.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.66 | $277.28 |
| Median (P50) | $42.41 | $339.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.44 | $379.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.07 | $456.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $42.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.41/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $88,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,893. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,696.44 | $7,351 | $88,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,017.87 | $4,411 | $52,929 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.58 | $2,941 | $35,286 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Aurora) | $42.41 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Aurora, IL earn a median of $88,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.03% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $89,294.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.41/hr = $52,929/year (purchasing power: $54,510).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,215/year (purchasing power: $90,850).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aurora grew 30.1% from $31.05/hr (2019) to $40.38/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.54/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Aurora
In analyzing the earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aurora, part-time technologists working 24 hours per week can expect to take home just under $50,000 annually, which is appealing compared to other professions. Per diem work presents another alternative, with hourly pay ranging from $55 to $110 depending on specialization, such as cardiac MRI, which can offer higher rates. The hourly rate can vary significantly based on the employer type, with outpatient centers likely offering competitive rates but fewer benefits compared to hospitals. Specifically, while some professionals may accept lower pay for the stability and perks of full-time hospital positions, others may prefer the flexibility of agency or locum work despite the lack of benefits. Negotiating for better rates can be advantageous, especially when considering the cost of living in Aurora, where the index is slightly below the national average. Understanding the balance between hourly pay, benefits, and job satisfaction is crucial for making informed career decisions in this growing field.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Aurora?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Aurora?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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