Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $43.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Champaign, IL runs $43.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Champaign, IL earn a median hourly wage of $43.26, which is notably below the national median of $48.21. This wage reflects important factors for both full-time and part-time workers within the field. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week could yield an annual income of approximately $67,000 based on a 24-hour workweek. The hourly pay for entry-level technologists stands at around $30.85, while experienced professionals can reach up to $57.65. This range allows flexibility for technologists operating in diverse settings, from hospital MRI suites using 1.5T and 3T scanners to outpatient imaging centers and mobile MRI units. Understanding the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Champaign offers valuable insight into advancing within this growing specialty.
About the Champaign 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) | $30.85 | $246.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.12 | $288.96 |
| Median (P50) | $43.26 | $346.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.39 | $387.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.65 | $461.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $43.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.26/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $89,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,914. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,730.47 | $7,499 | $89,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,038.28 | $4,499 | $53,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.19 | $2,999 | $35,994 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Champaign) | $43.26 |
| 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 Champaign, IL earn a median of $89,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.70% above the Illinois state average of $89,359.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.26/hr = $53,991/year (purchasing power: $55,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,985/year (purchasing power: $92,672).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Champaign grew 19.8% from $34.37/hr (2019) to $41.19/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.44/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 Champaign 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 Champaign
In examining the earning potential of a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist, it's clear that working 24 hours a week results in meaningful annual income, contrasting with full-time options. However, many MRI professionals opt for per diem roles, where pay can range from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding even higher rates. For example, travel MRI tech contracts may offer pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, reflecting a lucrative opportunity. The disparity in wages across various employers in Champaign—ranging from visible medical institutions to mobile MRI services—adds complexity to the compensation landscape. While some technologists may choose positions with lower hourly pay to secure health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates effectively is crucial for MRI technologists in this market, especially as they plan for long-term career trajectories within a field that is evolving rapidly, particularly in areas like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI imaging.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Champaign in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Champaign?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Champaign paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Champaign?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Champaign?
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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 Champaign. 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 Champaign 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