Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $41.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Carol Stream, IL runs $41.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carol Stream, Illinois, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $41.64, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This hourly compensation is significant for part-time professionals, allowing those working three days a week to bring home substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For technologists in various imaging environments—such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, or mobile trailers—the hourly pay ranges from $29.39 at the entry-level to $55.06 for the top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, illustrate the industry’s rewards as well as its market competitiveness for both full-time and part-time positions in the field of MRI technology.
About the Carol Stream 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) | $29.39 | $235.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.93 | $295.43 |
| Median (P50) | $41.64 | $333.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.50 | $371.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.06 | $440.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $41.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.64/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $86,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,973. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.78 | $7,218 | $86,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.47 | $4,331 | $51,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.31 | $2,887 | $34,648 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Carol Stream) | $41.64 |
| 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 Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $86,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.62% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $89,299.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.64/hr = $51,972/year (purchasing power: $53,524).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,620/year (purchasing power: $89,207).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carol Stream grew 30.1% from $30.48/hr (2019) to $39.65/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.74/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 Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream
Examining the earning potential for part-time and per diem positions sheds light on the financial dynamics of this profession in Carol Stream. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time for 24 hours a week could potentially take home around $51,507 annually, compared to what full-time professionals earn. Per diem opportunities offer even greater variability, with hourly rates typically ranging from $55 to $85, while specialized cardiac MRI roles can command $75-$110 per hour. Travel contracts for MRI technicians, particularly those in cardiac specialties, might yield upwards of $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. The hourly rates can differ significantly across employer types, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI businesses. Some technologists may choose lower hourly rates for the security of benefits like health insurance, while others may benefit from negotiating higher rates sans benefits. For those considering opportunities in Carol Stream, having clear negotiation strategies will be vital in securing the most favorable hourly pay, especially in this competitive segment of healthcare.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carol Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Carol Stream?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Carol Stream?
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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
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 Carol Stream. 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 Carol Stream 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